The One that Counts

By Chrissy Munder

Sometimes you have to look to the past to find your future.

Rob Gentner thought he’d moved on from his family’s lack of acceptance after they discover he’s gay. But when he and his partner return to his hometown for his father’s funeral, he realizes some hurts you never outgrow. His first summer home from college and accidental outing is a story he’s never shared with David. Until now.

Caring for Rob is David Morris’ great, if not always easy, passion in life. He knows Rob never made peace with his father but doesn’t know why. Can he find a way to help Rob get the closure he needs to focus on their future?

Together, the two men revisit Rob’s past and discover that while first times will always be remembered, the last time is the one that truly counts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Dec 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646569809

Chrissy Munder

Chrissy Munder writes LGBTQ+ romance filled with everyday people and extraordinary passion to transport readers into their personal world of love, laughter, and desireShe is an avid reader, a wanderer of Michigan’s wilderness, and, while not in any particular order, a lover of lists, legally blind, and a certified crazy cat lady. There are those who might tell you she started writing as a way to justify her office supply addiction, but shhhhh! don’t listen to them.After too many jobs in too many states she’s waiting for her chance to become a full-time Lake Michigan beachcomber. Until then, she’s excited to share her love of romance, laughter, and happy-ever-afters.Come along and share the magic.

Book preview

The One that Counts

By Chrissy Munder

Published by JMS Books LLC at Smashwords

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2021 Chrissy Munder

ISBN 9781646569809

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Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

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With appreciation to Aimée and Karen for keeping me going and Clare, for reminding me not only I can, but I should.

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The One that Counts

By Chrissy Munder

Chapter 1

So, this is the place?

The laminated rectangle of the For Sale sign had faded over the long months of exposure. Its appearance now as forlorn and neglected as the small strip of un-kept landscaping it presided over. Tall clumps of overgrown weeds hid the realtor’s telephone number and pushed the thin metal supports anchoring the sign out of the ground. Rob Gentner pushed at the side of the bracing in an attempt to straighten the twisted frame, as if by fixing this one thing he could restore the rest.

Yeah, this is it. Rob raised his voice to be heard over the rush of traffic on the busy street behind them, but he didn’t glance away from the abandoned building, once such a huge part of his life. I didn’t think I’d ever be here again. Thanks for coming with me.

David Morris, Rob’s long-time partner, crossed the broken asphalt of the parking lot to stand beside him. Anything for you, Rob. You know that. He kicked at a large chunk of pavement. This parking lot is a mess.

Michigan winters and no upkeep. It’s a killer combination. His father’s seasonal complaint spilled out of Rob’s mouth without warning, and he flinched.

David wrapped his arms around Rob’s waist, pulling Rob flush against his chest and offering the same, unflinching support Rob had depended