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

“Okay, they have the sample, they’ve started some meds, the lavage is done—at least this round of it—and they have Beau in a recovery spot out back of the cottage. Now we’re waiting for the sample to come back and identify what it is. And I guess we’re waiting for Beau to get up, too. Apparently, that’s going to be a huge indicator of how much or how little progress we’re making.”


Amaya hurried to catch up. “Come on, Champ. Okay, but are we going to be allowed to see him? If he’s in a recovery spot, he might be out of reach, no? Like when they put people in ICU?”


Bryson snorted. “I don’t care if they have him sequestered in Area 51, he’s my horse and I’m going to see him.”


“Oh, good,” she huffed. “Nothing says ‘a fun day off’ like powering through security or throwing a tantrum about liberties.” He glanced at her and she grinned. “I’m literally serious.”


Chapter 44