His Steady Heart

Ashley “Buck” Buchanan moved back home to take care of his sick mother when he was 22. That was the first time he met Pippin, the neglected 6-year-old boy next door. Fifteen years later, Buck, a caretaker by nature, offers up his couch for Pippin, who needs a break from his mom and a quiet place to sleep.<br><br>Pippin Olander is a ray of sunshine despite his emotionally lacking upbringing and works hard to make a better life for himself. Even though he’s fiercely self-sufficient, he learns to accept help from Buck, his rock and the only steady presence in his life.<br><br>Their friendship deepens and grows into something more as they spend time together. But when other people try to throw a wrench in the works, when Pippin’s independence is triggered, can Buck and Pippin trust in the love they’ve found?

Nell Iris · LGBT+

Not enough ratings

30 Chs

Chapter 6

“I know. Is that what this is about? You think I believe you’re a kid?”

He dips his chin in acknowledgement.

“I don’t.”

Pippin furrows his eyebrows and squints at me.

“Look.” I run my fingers through my hair in an attempt to gather my thoughts. “You’re many things. Smart. Brave. Loyal. Funny. Stubborn. Too darned proud. Kind. Generous. Happy. But nota kid. You had to grow up too darned fast, ‘s what I think.”

His eyes widen with every word until they’re about as big and round as the wheels on my truck. His Adam’s apple bobs several times. Then he unwinds himself from the blanket and lays it across his lap. With shaking hands—without taking his eyes off me—he fumbles for the clothes. When he finds them, he pulls the pile closer, grabs the top hoodie, and puts it on. Pulls up the zipper and buries his hands in the pockets.

It’s a little too big, but a lot better than my stuff.

“Thank you, Ashley,” he whispers.

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