When State Trooper Travis Kinslow is injured right before Thanksgiving, the only positive is that for once he won't be working during the holidays. Since he has no family, Travis was absorbed into his best friend Joe's, and he considers them as good as his own. Everyone except Joe's brother Noah. Travis has been in love with the younger man for much of his life, but he's always kept his distance.<br><br>As an ER nurse, Noah is a caretaker by nature. When his brother's best friend is hurt, he's happy to help Travis while he heals. He's only ever allowed himself to think of Travis as the next best thing to an older brother, but by the light of the Christmas tree, Noah finally sees Travis's true feelings. And in that moment, everything changes.<br><br>When faced with opposition and a Christmas nothing like they imagined, will their hopes for the future be enough to carry them through?

His Needs

“That depends on Officer Kinslow, how he heals, and his primary care physician,” Dr. Ritter explained gently. She turned to me. “You’ll get released back to work only when your body is ready and not before. I’m sure the troopers won’t take any chances.” She graced us both with a smile. “All right, then. Do you have any questions?”


I couldn’t think of any so I shook my head. Angela glared but then thanked the doctor. After leaving instructions to press the call button if I needed anything, and to try and get some rest, the doctor left. I watched her go, feeling weird. I didn’t know what I would do with myself with a week off, let alone four or five. Or six, if Angela had her way. But I was tired and hurting, and the drugs coursing through my system pushed that all back.


Angela stood and combed her fingers through my hair before leaning forward to kiss my forehead. “Rest now, Travis,” she murmured soothingly.


Chapter 3