“At least I know one person,” Ashley Willis murmured to himself and stood. “Hi. My name is Ashley, but people call me Ash. I’m the art teacher at the elementary school. My road to becoming a dad wasn’t really like yours.” He flattened his hands on his pant legs to hide the shaking. “I’m proud to be a dad. Best thing I’ve ever done, but like I said, it was different. My best friend, Danica, wanted a baby. Her relationships weren’t working out and she figured the only way she’d have a kid was to go with a donor. She asked me. We went the traditional route. I’m gay, but I slept with her because I wanted to give her what she wanted. Shortly after Wyatt was born, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Turns out the cancer was worse than the doctors realized and she passed pretty quickly.”

Colin Baker, the head of the support group, nodded. He didn’t say anything and no one seemed to be upset or even fazed by his admission that he had a kid. The guys he’d dated had been put off when he mentioned how he’d helped to create his son. They didn’t want to date a guy who’d slept with a woman, even if only to make a baby.

“Like I said, I’m proud to be a dad and I want to be an example to him. Right now that’s not happening the way I wanted. I’m not looking for a boyfriend, but a few friends would be great. That’s why I joined the group.” He blew out a long breath. “And because Steve said this was a good place to talk without judgment.”

Steve Moore, a former fellow teacher in the Cedarwood school district, grinned. He’d been in Ash’s shoes. The school year before, Steve had been encouraged to leave his position with the district because of his sexuality.

Ashley returned to his seat and stuffed his hands between his knees. He shouldn’t have been so nervous. The guys at the meeting weren’t scary or critical. All of them had been in situations that weren’t fun—Colin losing his partner to another man, Steve having to raise his sister and Don dealing with the death of his partner due to AIDS. He appreciated the pressure-free environment. No trying to date one another or get into one another’s pants. Little by little, he relaxed and thanked God he’d made the decision to join the group.

Half an hour later, after the rest of the men had shared stories and updates, the meeting adjourned. The dozen or so guys scattered about the room. Steve crossed to Ashley.

“So, you got tenure, didn’t you?” Steve plopped onto the chair beside Ash. “I wanted tenure, but not the hassle of the school district.”

“You’re at Hazelwood, aren’t you?” Ashley asked. “I’d heard they had a few teachers leave due to retirement.”

“I am. So far, things are looking good.” Steve nodded. “They’re planning to offer me tenure there if I last another year. I fully intend on doing so. My commute is twenty minutes. Farin can get Genie off the bus or she and Gage can go straight to the store. It’s perfect.”

“Plus you’re head over heels for Farin,” Ashley added. He’d watched the romance grow between the two men and couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. He wanted a love like Farin and Steve shared.

“There is that. But I asked about you. You’re safe with tenure, right?”

“I have a five-year contract. They didn’t go the tenure route with the teachers when I was hired. Our track involved longer contracts that aren’t exactly called tenure. You came in after me when the union got the situation returned, but about five other teachers and I fall into that gray area. I’m okay for now.”

“Well, if they start giving you trouble, you’re in a better position than I was.” Steve handed Ashley a business card. “This is my friend Dex. He specializes in discrimination cases. If it comes to needing help, then he’s the man you want in your corner.”

“Cool.” He stared at the card. He hadn’t thought about needing legal representation. He hadn’t been discriminated against, but then he’d kept his life on the down-low. People knew he was gay, but he didn’t advertise.

“We were going to go to the diner for supper. Farin loves the burgers and Genie can’t get enough of the fries. Want to come along?” Steve asked. He touched Colin’s shoulder, stopping the other man. “Colin, are you and Jordan coming?”

“Sure.” Colin stuffed the pamphlets and other papers from the small table into a shoulder bag. “Are you in, Ashley?”

“I need to get Wyatt from the sitter, but sure.” He’d been out on the town with friends a few times over the summer, but these were people who understood how to be in public with kids. His friends didn’t like when Wyatt tagged along or when Ashley couldn’t go out because he didn’t have a sitter.

“Meet us there in half an hour?” Steve clapped Ashley on the shoulder. “I know it seems like you’re all alone in this, but you’re not. I’ve been there. Colin’s been there. You’re in good company.”

“Thanks.” He grinned as he left the building and headed to his car. He’d known Steve from the district staff meetings but hadn’t spent much time with him otherwise. Part of him wished he’d made a move with Steve. Maybe he wouldn’t be lonely right now. Then again, Steve and Farin did make a cute couple.

He slid behind the wheel of his car and sighed. He wished he had a bigger car. Then he’d be able to better care for Wyatt. There’d be more room and less inconvenience. Less worry that the grocery bags would tumble over onto Wyatt, and the fear that they’d be crushed to death in the smaller car would go down. In a bigger vehicle, at least they’d have more bulk around them if they did crash.

He turned the key in the ignition. God. What am I doing? Complaining…again. He hadn’t said the words out loud, but he was wallowing in his supposed failure to care for his kid. He drove across town to the babysitter’s house and thought about his life along the way. Danica. Now, there’s a raw deal in life. Cancer fucking sucked. Wyatt wouldn’t have his mother because of a goddamn disease without a cure. He pounded the steering wheel with his fist. She shouldn’t have died.

Ashley pulled into the driveway at the Learner house and switched off the engine. He dragged a couple of deep breaths into his lungs to compose himself. Wyatt didn’t need to see his father upset.

He climbed out of the car and headed up to the front door. Mrs. Learner met him on the porch. “Wyatt’s helping pick up the playroom. You look worried. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just got caught up in my thoughts.” He leaned against the banister on the porch. Mrs. Learner knew about Danica but never seemed to push him to talk.

“Danica?” She gathered him in a hug and rubbed his back. “You’ve got to get the words out of your head sooner or later. I know you’re not ready now, but one day you will be. Don’t be afraid to talk.”

He hugged her back and sighed. “I’m tired of being mopey, if that’s what you mean.”

“Then don’t be.” She let go of him and folded her arms. “You’ve got a lot to offer a guy. Get out there and try. You don’t have to introduce Wyatt to him right away. Make sure you trust him first, but give romance a shot.”

“You sound like those movies on the cable channel.”

A squeal echoed in the house and a moment later, Wyatt bounded up to the screen door. “Hi, Dad.” He fumbled with the latch then eased open the aluminum door. Unlike most kids his age, Wyatt sounded loud and boisterous, but he also acted very reserved. He wasn’t the type to slam doors or to stomp his feet, but he loved to whoop and holler. He shoved his book bag into Ashley’s hands.

“Hi, tot.” He tossed the backpack over his shoulder. “Were you good for Mrs. Learner?”

“Yes.” Wyatt grinned and batted his lashes. “I even helped pick up when I didn’t make the mess.”

“That’s true,” Mrs. Learner said. “You helped me put away the dishes, too.”

“I did.” Wyatt grabbed his father’s hand and swung Ashley’s arm. “I’m hungry.”

“Then it’s a good thing we’re going to the diner.” He slid the folded-up money from his pocket and handed the twenty to the babysitter. “Thanks, Mrs. Learner. We’ll see you next week.”

“Bye,” Wyatt called and led his father to the car. “Why are we goin’ to the diner? We never go out on a school night.”

“I thought we’d do something different.” Ashley opened the car door for Wyatt. “Get into your seat and put on your belt.”

Wyatt did as told and kicked his feet. “I’m goin’ to get a cheeseburger.”

“Oh, you are?” He closed the door then rounded the car and plopped behind the wheel. He glanced up at Wyatt’s reflection in the rearview mirror. His son reminded him of Danica in so many ways. He’d inherited her thick, long lashes and her blue eyes. The kid shared her sense of humor and her blonde hair.

Ashley drove the five blocks to the diner and parked. Before he opened his door, he glanced back at Wyatt.

“What?” Wyatt wriggled in his car seat. “I was good. Promise.”

“I know you were.” He watched his son. The kid kept amazing him. He wanted to draw the look of wonder on Wyatt’s face. Because of Wyatt, he saw life with fresh eyes.

“What?” Wyatt asked. He stared at his father. “What’d I do?”

“Nothing. I’m just looking at you.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “Smile, punk.”

“Dad.” Wyatt rolled his eyes then cooperated. First a cheesy grin then one of his normal smiles—the one that brought out the dimple in his left cheek. “Will there be kids there?” He pointed to the diner. “Huh?”

“Gage from the bookstore will be there. You’re friends with him.” He put the phone away and tugged the keys from the ignition. “Right?”

“Yeah. Can I bring my tablet? I want to show him my new game.”

“No, leave it with my school stuff in the trunk so it doesn’t get taken from the car.” He placed his jacket, bag and the tablet in the trunk. “Come on.”

“Ugh.” Wyatt climbed out of the car and sulked his way into the restaurant.

“Don’t get snippy with me,” Ashley growled. “I can turn right around and take you home.”

“I’m going to get bored.” Wyatt folded his arms. For being six, he could grump like a kid twice his age.

“You’re going to eat and behave. If you do, you’ll get your tablet back. If not, it’s mine for the rest of the week. Got me?”

“Yes, Dad.” Wyatt lowered his shoulders and head but didn’t complain further.

Ashley led the way across the diner to Steve and Farin. They all had at least a couple of friends at the diner. He nudged Wyatt to the end of the table. Nervous jitters filled him. He’d just been with these guys in the meeting and had been fine. Now, on friendlier terms, he wasn’t sure what the hell he felt. Scared? Worried? Why? They weren’t going to bite him.

He knew. He was in a situation with people he respected but wasn’t convinced he could completely trust. The last time he’d made a solid friendship, she’d died. Danica, although she’d been his most valued co-conspirator, hadn’t been able to go the distance. Damn cancer. Then there’d been Lane. The prick. He should’ve known Lane would be a dead end, but he’d listened to Danica. She kept telling him they’d make a great couple. At first, he and Lane had been perfect for each other. Then the shit had hit the fan and he’d seen Lane’s true colors. Lane hadn’t been able to handle sharing Ashley with Danica when the cancer got bad. When she’d died, Lane walked. He’d refused to be a dad. So much for happy endings. Ashley massaged his temples. He needed to focus on the present, not the past, so maybe he could find his future. He smiled at the group at the table.

“There’s the man of the hour.” Steve stood first. “I wondered if you’d gotten lost.” He grinned. He might have been a mild-mannered teacher, but Steve could’ve made a killing in modeling. He worked the nerdy-chic look well, although Ashley preferred his friend in the horn-rimmed glasses versus the contacts, but whatever. He wasn’t the one in bed with Steve Moore.

“Colt?” Steve nodded. “We’re ready when you are.” He waved his hand then settled in his chair. “The service here is fantastic—especially when you know the owner. Farin and I come here way too often.”

Colt? The owner? Ashley sank onto the closest chair and gripped the edge of the table. Colt Harrison. Even thinking the man’s name gave Ashley shivers. When he caught sight of the diner owner, his heart hammered. Unlike most of the guys Ashley knew, Colt wasn’t blatant about his sexuality. He didn’t seem to have tons of female or male friends fawning around him, but he reminded Ashley of a movie star. Where Steve had the boy-next-door good looks, Colt was more like a bona fide sex symbol. From his just-out-of-bed blond hair in the perfect waves, to his blue eyes and that muscled body… Ashley couldn’t expect Colt to be attracted to him, but if there was a chance for miracles, he desired to be with Colt.

Of course, he’d have to gain Colt’s attention if he wanted to get together—like that would happen. Colt probably had a girlfriend or boyfriend and wasn’t looking for a replacement. Ashley tucked those thoughts away for now. He wasn’t going to pine for a guy he was pretty certain wasn’t available. Hell, Ashley wasn’t even sure the guy was gay.

Coming out in Cedarwood had become a bit easier, but just a little bit. The coalition against gay people had gotten stronger, but Colin and his small group of unwanteds had refused to be driven out of town. Ashley still had his job at the school, despite the district knowing he was gay. Would they let him go? He couldn’t be sure. What he did know was as long as he kept his job, he’d be fine. If the district decided to rescind his tenure, then he’d have to find another job. If he was nothing else, he was a survivor.

Ashley sat at the table with his son, his friends from the support group and their children, and pondered his future. He’d been asked at the group what he wanted from his life. When he looked at the people around him, he knew—he wanted a job that he loved, his son and a partner. Having friends was right up there on the list, but most of all what he wanted was to be happy. Unfortunately, hoping for happiness wouldn’t warm the chilly nights.