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

“Looks like we got ourselves a party,” Bryson said, sitting beside his mom. “Bonjour, maman.”


“Hello, darling.” Her tone was pure ice, her gaze fixed on Rebecca’s group. She waved at the couple sitting with her. “You know the Stevensons, don’t you, love?”


“The owners. We were just discussing what this little bitch and her dog have been up to.”


The six adults sitting with Rebecca and Michael erupted into a flourish of sound that made even the simplest comments indistinguishable from the rest. Considering their immediate offense, they had to be a mix of parental figures and most likely legal representation for the family. The people in Bryson’s circles rarely went to something like this without bringing their lawyers along. Regardless of who they were and what they said, though, Mandy did not apologize or take back her comment.


Chapter 52