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

“Do you have plans?” he eventually asked.


I cocked my head to the side, studying him. “Well,” I said slowly, still confused. “I thought Christmas Eve was the big deal. The dinner and presents and midnight mass with your family. I know Christmas Day isn’t the whole family together, so I figured I’d see you whenever you could fit me in.”


Noah looked up at me, finally meeting my eyes. “Yes, it’s all about Christmas Eve for the family get-together. I usually spend Christmas Day with my parents, too, but you’re welcome there or we can do our own thing.” He stopped, swallowed, and then his voice was softer as he asked, “Are you going to see your parents?”


I tensed automatically, and I consciously made the effort to relax. “No. I haven’t seen them since I was eighteen. Haven’t even spoken to them. Why would I see them on Christmas?”


Chapter 33