Bryson Merritt may have started life as a broken baby in a basket, but he got lucky with an extraordinary set of circumstances that brought him his adoptive parents. Rich, supportive, and kind, they've given Bryson everything he's ever needed in order to deal with his ongoing recovery issues. If only they could give him some luck when it comes to picking out the right kind of guy.<br><br>When Bryson meets Duke at a horse auction, all he can think about is getting Duke's sweaty hands all over his body. Until he meets Beau -- the beautiful dark horse in Duke's care, who shares Bryson's mobility and pain issues -- and realises exactly where Beau's final destination is. Enraged by what he sees as an unfair, undeserving, and cruel punishment, Bryson decides to buy Beau, problems or not, experience or no, and walks away without looking back.<br><br>However, once again forces have gathered to help Bryson out, and Bryson finds himself working alongside Duke for the sake of Beau. Bryson's attraction is rekindled, but now Duke isn't interested at all. Worse still, it looks like a possible relationship with Duke isn't the only thing that is going to end in tragedy.

Still Standing

“Sit,” he hissed. “Just sit. We’ll wait.”


Duke sat as if he’d been pushed into the chair by the hand of God. “Okay. What are we waiting for?”


For people not to look. For everyone to leave. For the lights to go off and the parking lot to empty. For the lifetime he would be born into when shit like this wouldn’t happen.


Bryson looked towards the voice and saw a well-worn wooden cane inches from his face. Behind it was an older man with a frail woman on his arm. In her left hand, she held another cane.


“She uses two, but she can make do with one if I walk with her. It’ll get you out the door and to your car. We’ll take it back then.”


Chapter 24