Chapter 25

 

Helpless, he flailed at the empty air, groped through the darkness, searching for... for strength, kindness, the man he loved. "Austin," he moaned as strong arms cradled him, calmed him.

This happened too often – Miller coming out of a nightmare to find himself safe in Austin's embrace. Miller loved to have Austin sleeping in his bed all these nights, but hated waking him with his bad dreams.

Wrapped around him, Austin felt so good, but Miller wished he didn't ruin his night's sleep like this. "Sorry," Miller mumbled into his shoulder. "I'm not letting you sleep."

"I'm done sleeping. It's morning, early," Austin told him though the pale light coming through the window hardly proved it. "You slept almost the whole night this time."

"With you watching over me."

"Exactly where I am supposed to be," Austin said and kissed him then raised himself on one elbow. "Want to go back to sleep?"

Miller shook his head. "I want to make breakfast."

"Take it easy. I'll make something," Austin said but Miller was determined.

"I miss doing stuff. You play with Remi. I'll make something easy."

Austin grumbled. "OK. Don't overdo it."

 

As promised, Miller didn't make anything difficult, just some ham and cheese muffins that Austin liked. He was just about to put then in the oven when Austin appeared and took the muffin pan from him.

Miller was going to complain, but Austin kissed him before he said. "Why don't you sit with Remi and I'll put those in the oven."

Miller couldn't say no to spending some time with Remi. Getting him out of his rocker, Miller let him grab a toy in that strong grip of his, then played at trying to take it away from him. "I can't get it. You're too strong."

The baby was in a happy mood, and Miller couldn't get enough of him and the happy sounds he made. He was hoping Austin would join them, but he decided they should have breakfast outside and got busy setting up the table in the garden.

"It's a nice morning, and you need some outdoor time," Austin told him then he got the muffins out of the oven so Miller didn't have to.

He set the table and did everything else. Going outside to sit down, Miller had to inform him, "This is you making breakfast, not me."

"You'll be back to your old self then you can feed me all you want."

"Feed your muscles you mean," Miller said as he watched Austin set up Remi's rocker next to them in the grass.

"Look at him trying to play with a sunbeam," Austin said and it did look like Remi was grabbing for a ray of sunshine that kept dancing as it came down between the branches.

Except for the patches of morning sun peeking through the canopy, the big tree gave them some nice shade. They ate and Remi fell asleep. Austin was looking at him adoringly, but Miller's eyes had strayed toward the unfinished house across the street.

Now he couldn't help thinking back to what happened over there. He tried not to show it, to keep his breathing and his fear under control, but Austin still noticed.

"You OK?" Austin said and got on one knee in front of him in the grass.

Austin had just been enjoying being a dad and having such a sweet little boy, and now he had to worry about Miller. "Sorry. I hate taking you away from Remi."

"He's fine. He's sleeping peacefully," Austin told him and took his hand.

"He is," Miller said as he looked over at him. "But I want him to only know happiness, not for you to worry about me and my fears and my nightmares day and night."

"Hey, it's all good. I'm here for you no matter what," Austin said and squeezed his hand. "You need time. The gloom and doom won't last. It's going to be OK."

Miller had to smile at how Austin's eyebrow furrowed and how he glowered while he was cheering him up. He could be so intense and Miller loved it.

"Thank you. You're amazing," Miller sighed and leaned forward to touch his forehead to Austin's.

"No, you are amazing," Austin said and lifted his face so he could look into Miller's eyes. "All I want to do is take care of you."

"I'm OK. Remi needs you more."

"He needs you too," Austin said while still holding Miller's hand and bringing it close to his heart. "And since I'm down here on one knee, I figure Remi could use another dad."

"Huh? What?" He couldn't be saying what Miller thought he was saying. As Miller held his breath, sitting there in shock and disbelief, Austin continued.

"I was thinking you would be perfect. You could be my hubby and Remi's dad," Austin said, making himself clear.

But Miller was stunned into silence, afraid to blink or take a breath. When Miller said nothing, Austin smiled kind of sadly.

"You don't need to say anything. That's just a dream I've been having."

At first Miller still couldn't speak. He was too choked up. But then he had to confess the truth to him. "Austin, that's my dream too," he gasped.

"You mean you might want to marry me?" Austin said in a hushed voice.

"I definitely do. More than anything. I love you, and I love Remi so much. I would love to be your husband and his dad."

"And he'll be one lucky kid to have you as his dad. Both of us. Damn, I love you." Austin took Miller in his arms.

"Oh Austin." Miller couldn't help crying even as they kissed and held each other. They were lost in each other until Remi started crying.

"He wants some attention too," Austin said, picking him up and bringing him over. In his daddy's arms, Remi quieted and his blue eyes gazed clear and serene up at Miller.

"Look at how he's looking at you," Austin said. "He knows you're gonna be his dad."

"He's beautiful and so are you," Miller told him.

"Me? I don't know about that, but I'm gonna move heaven and earth to make you the happiest, most loved man who ever lived," Austin promised him and leaned over to kiss him tenderly while between them Remi kicked and babbled ready to take on the world.

 

The End

 

Also by Trina Solet

Peach Tree Life

Wyatt was never the good brother. He was the troublemaker, the one who escaped to Europe when his family couldn't accept who he was. But now that his older brother is gone, Wyatt is the only one who can take care of his two little nephews, DJ and Riley.

Is Wyatt up to the daunting task? No one is sure, not even him.

It's a big change in his life, but his nephews need him. After losing their parents, the two little boys are heartbroken. Wyatt doesn't want to uproot them so he moves to the small town of Peach Tree. He doesn't expect small town life to be to his liking until he meets Sam, the young guy who works at the cafe in town.

They have an immediate connection, and Sam is the sweetest guy. But Sam is prone to panic attacks and he only just escaped his abusive ex.

Sam doesn't plan to get involved with anyone until Wyatt comes along. He thinks a real relationship between them is impossible, but Wyatt isn't so easily discouraged. He's a man who knows what he wants, and he's not afraid to go after it. Sam came into his life on the heels of tragedy and that makes Wyatt treasure him all the more.

Just when Wyatt is sure to get his way, trouble finds them. With Wyatt by his side, can Sam finally fight back against his fear, or will it wreck everything he found?

Peach Tree Love

Peach Tree works its magic on Mitch and Rico as the handyman with a kid and the college student without direction find exactly what they were looking for.

When a job offer falls through, Mitch agrees to fix up an old house that hides unexpected trouble. Rico is recruited to be his assistant and can't help but fall in love with the gruff handyman. Could Mitch ever feel the same?

Until he met Rico, Mitch believed he was straight. Now his whole word has been turned upside down. After all the hardships in his life, could this be the one time when everything works out just right?

Peach Tree Manny

Julian Brenner doesn't have good memories of his childhood home in Peach Tree, but he's moving back there for the sake of his little brother. Little Danny has already been through so much, Julian wants him to have some peace and quiet.

That isn't what Peach Tree is known for, so it's a good thing Julian is bringing some backup. At first, he hires Rob as his assistant, but maybe what he really needs is a manny.

Rob doesn't seem like the type. He's a little rough around the edges and not afraid of a fight. His protective side is what Julian notices first, but it's Rob's kindness that wins him over.

But does Julian dare to fall in love. Both men have old pain and troubled histories to overcome. Will they realize their love was meant to be?

Peach Tree Baby

Living on the outskirts of a small town, busy running an inn, Andy doesn't like his chances when it comes to finding the perfect man. Plus his leg was hurt in a car crash. The scars and the limp don't help his self-confidence. Not wanting to wait before building a family, Andy skips right to having a baby.

But maybe he gave up too soon. Andy brings his baby daughter home just in time for Christmas and hires a manager to help him run the inn.

Leo Copeland is the new manager, and he's hot, built and has a take-charge attitude. When Leo and his new dog need a place to stay, Andy offers to put him up at his family home.

It's only supposed to be for a little while, but Leo is good company and he's amazing with the baby. As their attraction keeps heating up, Andy starts thinking that he doesn't really want Leo to go.

That man just fits at the inn, in Peach Tree and quite possibly in Andy Brighton's life.

They're busier than ever preparing to host the reception for Mitch and Rico's Valentine's Day wedding when a threatening message rattles them both. Will Andy realize he finally found the perfect man, or will a secret from Leo's past make him lose faith in the man he has come to trust and depend on, the man he loves?

Peach Tree Family

Running away from his oppressive home town, the last thing Seth wants is to end up in another small town, but he's about to find out that Peach Tree is different.

At the end of his rope, hungry and out of money, Seth comes across a house that's been abandoned for years. It doesn't stay that way.

Theo and his little brother, Ace, need a home, and they show up to claim their inheritance, the house outside of Peach Tree.

The three newcomers grudgingly share the shelter they found. But as different as they are, Seth and Theo have a lot in common, mostly their dire circumstances. They lean on each other and try to fight a growing attraction.

Theo has doubts about Seth since he has never been with anyone else. That doesn't mean he can resist the sweet hunk.

Seth doesn't have a lot of confidence, but he is sure of one thing -- Theo is the only one he wants. He just has to convince Theo to let his guard down and listen to his heart.

Peach Tree Bodyguard

Moving to Peach Tree, all Lane wants is security for his little girl, Nola, and his grandmother, nothing more. But how can he resist his hot, arrogant neighbor with a cute dog.

Joss has secrets and scars, and he's in Peach Tree to do a job, not get involved. Lane is part of that job and that's why he has to stay close, but not too close. That's not easy as Lane keeps stirring up feelings that are a lot more than attraction. If he doesn't keep his distance, Lane will figure him out.

Lane can't afford to open up to anyone, but Joss is irresistible and he keeps getting pulled in. Both men are playing with fire, but as their secrets come out, it's Joss who has to convince Lane that he's not in danger. When Joss is proved wrong, their whole world might be torn apart.

Peach Tree Christmas

After a difficult breakup, Gabe moves to the small town of Peach Tree with his shy little girl, Mazey. Gabe is looking for a fresh start and a quiet place to raise his daughter, but he didn't count on his brash new neighbor, Stan.

Stan is a little bit crude and not into relationships. He's absolutely sure he could never fall head over heels for any guy, much less his uptight neighbor with a kid. But then Stan gets a dog, and who can keep a dog a little kid apart?

As Stan and Gabe spend time together, things get physical between them. Still, Stan is not Gabe's type, and the feeling is mutual. But their hearts don't care about types, and spending the holidays together only brings them closer.

Will Stan realize that Peach Tree is where he belongs and let himself finally fall in love?

Our Boys

After getting burned in his last relationship, Diego isn't looking to get involved. He is willing to allow only one little guy into his heart. That little guy is his irrepressible, four-year-old son, Jamie. But Trevor, a young neighbor who just moved in, might turn out to be too much of a temptation for Diego.

Trevor is taking care of his one-year-old cousin, but he's worried he might lose custody. He has quite a few challenges in his life, and Diego is driven to help him overcome them.

As the two families bond, the guys find their feelings for each other growing stronger. It's only a matter of time before they'll have to admit that they found in each other everything they ever wanted.

The Forever Manny

Marshall Bowen is more comfortable sitting in a boardroom, but now he has his baby niece, Tessa, to take care of. Until very recently, Marshall didn't even know he had a sister, and the baby is a complete shock to him. He's out of his comfort zone and doesn't know the first thing about taking care of a baby. But he'll have to learn fast.

He does have some help. Cody is his late sister's best friend, and he has become incredibly attached to the baby. After he and Cody meet, Marshall is determined to keep the young man around. It's only for Tessa's sake, of course. He would never indulge in his budding attraction to the baby's manny.

Cody is glad to help Marshall take care of Tessa, but it's only a temporary arrangement. Once Marshall gets the hang of parenting, Cody will go back to his old life. He can't stay Tessa's manny forever, can he?

But what will happen when Cody wants more? Will Marshall want a future with him?

Pizza for Thanksgiving

Mack and Enzo are roommates and nothing more. While sharing the same apartment, they live separate lives. Enzo is sweet but painfully shy. Mack is gruff and kind of intimidating. He's had a hard life and doesn't let his guard down easily.

Now Mack is anticipating a lonely Thanksgiving dinner, but Enzo won't let that happen. When he hears that Mack is going to be all alone for Thanksgiving, he gets up the courage to make him an offer. But things don't go as planned in more ways than one.

With the best of intentions, Enzo has woken up something in Mack that he might not be ready for. Can Mack stop hiding and holding back? When Enzo asks for too much from him, can he say yes anyway?

The Professor and the Manny

Ned needs a babysitter for his daughter, Mina. When he hires Jeff, he ends up with a manny and so much more.

Mina is a vulnerable child who has endured too many losses. Ned has given her a new life, but she doesn't come out of her shell for just anyone.

When Jeff comes into their lives, he wins her over and starts out babysitting for only a few hours a day. That's long enough for him to realize that he's incredibly attracted to Ned.

Ned feels the same way, but he's a professor and Jeff is a student at his college. Ned is determined to keep his distance. That only lasts until he learns that Jeff has been keeping something from him. When Ned finds out that Jeff has no place to live, he invites him home and hires him as Mina's manny.

There's no turning back now. Living in the same house, neither man can deny his feelings for long. But when danger disrupts their happy life, Jeff blames himself. Can Ned convince him to stay? The next time danger strikes, Jeff might be the only one who can protect what's most precious to them both.

Key To His Heart

Phillip Morton is a disciplined and self-assured young executive, but that's only on the surface. His heart is in turmoil. He has just discovered that his late brother might have left behind a child. This child is only a rumor, a possibility, but Phillip sets out to find him.

To help him with his search, he brings along Leon, his assistant. Leon is very young and new to his job. Phillip doesn't want things between them to turn too personal, but he needs Leon to keep him sane.

Even as he searches for his nephew, Phillip is afraid to hope. After the heart-wrenching loss of his estranged brother, it seems too much to expect that this child could be real.

It turns out that Ant, short for Anthony Morton Junior, is very real indeed. He is a sweet three-year-old living in precarious circumstances with an elderly relative. Phillip has found them just in time.

As Leon lends a hand with all the new challenges in Phillip's life, the two of them are growing closer every day. If only Leon can free himself of the demons from his childhood. While Leon's past still haunts him, he and Phillip can't rush into anything.

Will Phillip's love and patience win out in the end so they can all become a family?

Golden Days

How can a nerdy, young dad hope to attract his hunky new neighbor? And if he can get his attention, does he have any hope of making it last?

Kyle only recently became an adoptive father to a vulnerable little girl. He's a devoted dad, and Viv is a spirited and loving five-year-old. With the help of his little dog, Kyle worked hard to gain Viv's love and trust in record time. Now they are a family. That doesn't mean he has no room for a man in his life.

Luke has been working in a string of nightclubs for most of his adult life. It was an exciting life, but Luke had enough of it. A recent loss sends Luke into suburbia in search of a more peaceful life. The loss of his brother is still fresh, but spending time with Kyle and Viv brings him so much joy.

In the past, Kyle hasn't been lucky in love. He always goes for the wrong kind of guy. But with Viv in his life, he can't afford those kinds of mistakes.

When Luke moves into the neighborhood, Kyle ends up with two wounded souls on his hands. Good thing he has room in his heart for both of them. If Kyle can get past his fears, he might just get everything he has always dreamed of.

Staying True

Freshly out and with no experience under his belt, Troy just wants to have fun. His roommate is the first guy he has been with.

When he and Spencer get together, it's strictly casual, or so they tell each other. But the truth is that with every kiss and every touch, they are becoming too close.

Spencer doesn't have a ton of self-confidence. There is no way a skinny nerd like him can keep a guy like Troy all to himself. But how long can Spencer pretend that his heart isn't set on Troy?

And how is Troy supposed to get the experience he craves if all he can think about is Spencer?

In the end, maybe all the experience Troy needs is the love of one man.

Duncan the Third

Patrick and his little sister, Wendy, have just moved into Duncan's building and that means trouble. Patrick is exactly the kind of guy Duncan can't resist. Together he and his little sister might be the family Duncan has been yearning for but only if he takes a chance and lets them into his heart. Unfortunately, Duncan hasn't been lucky when it comes to relationships. After getting his heart broken too many times, he has sworn off younger men. While Duncan struggles against his attraction to him, Patrick is determined to win him over. As Patrick tries to change his mind, can he also heal Duncan's broken heart?

Where He Belongs

Jack thought he had everything only to end up without a wife, a best friend or a child. Now he is closed off and afraid to love. After despair nearly cost him his life, he can't afford another heartbreak. Burying himself in work, Jack has made business his whole life. Now a business opportunity has led him to Gus, the one man who can break down his defenses.

Gus doesn't know what he is getting himself into when he flirts with his new boss. The uptight younger man is irresistible to him. Is Gus being reckless when he falls for Jack despite all the warning signs? After all, Gus is a happy, single father to a little boy, and Josh is a happy kid.

As he is drawn into their lives, Jack finds that Gus and his little boy are everything he needs and what he is most afraid of. Jack can't risk his heart again, but he might be won over by these two goofballs despite himself.

His Winter Heart

Wes is living a lonely, stark existence when he meets Colin, a lively young guy in desperate circumstances. Wes is so taken with him that he has to have him. His decision to invite Colin to spend the night is going to turn his quiet life upside down.

Colin almost finds himself sleeping on the street. When the tall, blond man makes him an offer, he can't say no either to the money or to the man. Colin is impulsive and full of contradictions. He refuses to sell himself for money and ends up homeless because of it. But when Wes offers to pay him for sex, Colin jumps at the chance to go home with him. Something about Wes strikes a chord with Colin. He knows there is a warm heart under the serious, impassive exterior and an awesome body under all the layers of winter clothes.

Things don't go as planned when Wes decides that Colin is too young and inexperienced and refuses to sleep with him. That doesn't mean that he can stay away from someone who shakes up his world.

The more time Colin spends with Wes, the more he wants him. Colin isn't shy about getting what he wants. His relentless pursuit might pay off if Wes doesn't let family complications and his fears about the future keep them apart. Will Wes let go of his inhibitions and allow himself to love the younger man?

With Eyes Open

Jacob and his son, Toby, have just moved to a small town. Everything is going well so far, except for one thing – who is Toby talking to in the back garden? There's no one there.

Ian is wondering the same thing. He's taking time off from college to be with his dad. One day he sees the little boy acting strangely, and he decides to look into it.

While Ian is trying to solve the mystery of what Toby is seeing, he and Jacob grow closer. Jacob is a man Ian can trust and lean on at a difficult time. Jacob has some reservations about Ian, but his feelings are too strong to be denied. Even as unexplained events surround them, these two can't stay away from each other.

Good thing because when Ian finds the answers he's looking for, he's going to need Jacob more than ever.

Long Lost

Blake Adler is back in town on a mission. Years ago Blake's father cut him out of his life so completely that he never spoke of him. Now that his father has passed away, Blake finally gets to meet his younger brother and sister. But Blake didn't come back to Meadowview for a reunion with his lost family. He's desperate to find the man he can't live without and win back the love he threw away.

Blake and Reese were once best friends. They could have been more, but Blake screwed up the most important relationship of his life. Now he wants to fix things with Reese, if he can only find him.

Blake isn't the only one looking for Reese. No matter how far Reese runs, trouble follows him. Wild and vulnerable, he always had it rough. The one good thing in his life was Blake.

Now Reese is taking a big risk coming back to town. It might be worth it if he can reclaim the man he can't stop thinking about, the one who rejected him, the one he loves more than anyone.

His True Home

Alec has retreated to his childhood home after a life of too much fun. When a little boy is abandoned on the road leading to Alec's home town of Seaview Pines, Alec is the one who ends up taking care of him. Now Cory is on his way to join them. He was abandoned by his mother as well and wants to give Teddy, his little brother, the family he never had. As they spend time together, it's up to Cory to draw out the serious, silent little boy. He also has to convince Alec that his home town isn't just a temporary refuge. It's where all three of them belong.

The Right Guy

They came together in paradise, but what will happen when they go back to the real world and their everyday lives?

Nathan and Paul never liked each other. Paul was a snob, and Nathan felt like he was always looking down on him. Nathan wasn't interested in him anyway. He had his sights set on Turner. Now that Turner is getting married to another man, Nathan's heart is breaking. That's when he finds that Paul is right there by his side. This gorgeous man is ready to distract him and help him get over his unrequited crush.

After being with Paul, Nathan is finally ready to move on and let go of his hopeless feelings. But after a hot encounter on the beach, Nathan might be giving up his old crush for a new one. Knowing that his longing for Paul is just as hopeless, Nathan is at his wit's end.

But things aren't the way they seem. Paul has been watching Nathan pine after his friend for too long. All that time he has wanted Nathan all to himself. It's hard for Paul to believe that Nathan could ever return his feelings. After all, Nathan doesn't even like him.

He doesn't know that Nathan feels differently about him these days. When spending time with Paul stirs unexpected feelings that are more than lust, Nathan wonders if he misjudged this man. Could Paul be the right man for him? After chasing the wrong guy for so long, Nathan has to prove to Paul that his feelings are real. That won't be easy. Paul isn't the most reasonable guy, and he won't settle for anything less from Nathan than his whole heart.

Unexpected Dad

Tyler finds a big surprise waiting on his doorstep. Ready or not, Tyler is a dad. Tyler didn’t know he had a daughter until she suddenly dropped into his life. Whether he is ready for her or not, little Julie needs a father. Or maybe two. Tyler and Jake have been best friends, inseparable since college. Now they have to adjust to Tyler’s new role as a dad. As Jake helps him cope with being a new father to a little girl, Tyler might be looking at two big changes in his life.

Make It Better

A favor leads to a life changing experience. Ray is willing to do anything for the man he considers his savior. His mission of mercy is Marcus, a young man who can’t overcome his guilt over a tragedy in his past. Is Ray making a terrible mistake giving his heart to him, or will his love for Marcus be strong enough to save him?

More Than a Manny

A very young, rich widower needs a nanny, but a hot manny would be even better. That's where Nate comes in. Brent is a loving but irresponsible father to two young children from a marriage of convenience. He needs Nate in his life, but how will Nate, a first time nanny, fit into his unconventional household? The kids are a handful, especially little Georgie. Her big brother, Ricky, has a few issues of his own. But Nate is more than ready to take on the challenge and let all three of them steal his heart.

Possession

While looking for solitude, James finds love.

As soon as he arrives at the secluded, tropical villa, James knows he has found the ideal spot. Tranquil and remote, this place is just what he needs to get over a painful breakup. In perfect solitude, James's heart can begin to heal. But what if his solitude isn't so perfect, and Rob is. He is the young man who intrudes on James's privacy and steals his heart.

Rob is too much of a temptation for the cautious and uptight James. Even as he gives in to his desire, James reminds himself that this is just a vacation fling. Then why is the thought of leaving Rob tearing him apart? He can't get enough of the younger man. Once James has his body, he can't live without having his heart.

James thinks his yearning is hopeless. Then a revelation about Rob's circumstances changes everything. Will James have the courage to act on his feelings? He has to. This is his chance to have Rob, to give him the life he deserves and to truly love him.

 

Manny To The Rescue

Why would Owen be terrified of Connie and Maggie, his two adorable little nieces? Because he is about to be left alone with them. Owen thinks he is going to have to take care of his nieces by himself until Dan shows up. If Owen approves, Dan is ready to be the girls' manny. Right from the start, Dan is a big help and an even bigger temptation. And Owen isn't the only one being tempted. When he was younger, Dan had a crush on Owen. Now that he is living with him, Owen has never looked hotter. The crush is back in full force. Too bad Dan isn't the kind of guy Owen is into. But even a hint that he is interested might spur Dan to make a move. Unfortunately, Dan is bringing trouble with him, and he doesn't even know it. When Owen becomes a target, will Dan be there in time to save him?

Poison Heart

Is there anything Vince and Cal won't do for each other? The two of them grew up together and fell deeply in love. They were poor but happy until Cal made a big mistake and ended up in jail. He did it for Vince. To get him out, Vince is willing to do anything. Roland Granger has the power and influence to make Cal a free man. All he wants in return is Vince. Even if Cal never forgives him, Vince is willing to sacrifice himself. Now he has to make sure that Cal accepts this unwanted help. And while Vince is trying to set things right in his own life, can he reunite Roland with a self-destructive young man who loves him?

And Manny Makes Three

Mark is a struggling college student who has been working as a nanny for a nice family, but they don’t need him any more. Zack has been raising his son, Al, by himself and needs help. Al is a funny kid, and Zack is a funny dad, but more serious issues lurk under the surface. Will Mark be able to deal with these two? And how will Zack and Mark deal with their mutual attraction?

My Love Is Real: The Benson Brothers Story

For almost a year Sean and Brian thought they were brothers. Sean wants him more than anything, but will Brian ever accept his love? His pride is only one of the obstacles standing in their way. A dangerous man has a claim on Brian.