Levi Campbell made one huge, stupid mistake. When his older boyfriend fears he's holding Levi back from fulfilling his youthful dreams, he encourages him to break free and seek adventure. Levi, hurt and confused, does just that ... But in an immature act of rebellion, he enlists in the army. The army! Levi never wanted to be a soldier, and he never, ever wanted to go to faraway places, but he is now committed to serving his country for two whole years. Madoc Griffiths did the right thing when he let Levi go, he knows he did, but if it was the right thing, then why can’t he move on? Every night he dreams about Levi; every day he misses him. But Levi is young, and Madoc will not stand in the way of Levi following his dreams. But being a soldier isn’t Levi’s dream. There is nothing Levi wants more than to do his time and return home to Northfield and fight for his man. Madoc was sure he’d be able to move on, but once he hears Levi will be home on a two-week leave, he can think of nothing except seeing him again. But can he stand to be with his lover for two weeks and then let him leave to fight a war?

When Skies Are Gray

“Of course. Let’s eat. Let’s pretend we’re all fine.”


They did, mostly. It was a bit strained at first, but as soon as the food arrived, they were chit-chatting as if nothing had happened. Madoc couldn’t get rid of the pressure in his chest, though.


Was this how life was supposed to be once you’d hit forty? Obligatory birthday dinners, tears instead of laughter? A whisper of Levi’s chuckle danced through his mind and his heart almost splintered.


Lisa waved him away when it was time to pay, but he lingered. “I’ve got this, Doc.”


He smiled and nodded, stepped away, but not too far. He kept his eyes on Amanda, both hoping she would say something to him and praying that she wouldn’t.


Lisa paid and headed for the door with the others. Madoc remained. Amanda smiled at him. “He called this morning.”


Chapter 5