Sometimes the strength to fight the past lies in the love and friendship of the present. Mark Carter has taken care of himself and those around him since he was a teenager. But with his younger brother and sister now packed off to college, he finds himself suddenly alone. Throwing everything he has into his new position at Sandpipers Restaurant leaves little time for anything else. And that's just fine by Mark. Then Raven stumbles into his life and everything changes. Mark can't help wanting to know more about the mysterious man-which is easier said than done. Raven is painfully shy, a single parent and stutters, especially when he's nervous. But Mark is determined to get to know the warm, intelligent man he glimpses beneath the quiet exterior. The question is, will Raven let him? Raven finally has a chance to start again. He's determined to put the past behind him and do whatever it takes to create a normal life for his young son, Ryan. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as it sounds. He doesn't have much acquaintance with 'normal', and the past has a way on intruding on the present no matter how hard he tries to escape it. Can he trust Mark with his secrets? And more importantly...should he?