Page 1 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood

Chapter One

Len Connor moved the last box of clothes into his new condo and sighed. He hadn’t planned on moving to Cedarwood, but after his stroke and Ross leaving, he wanted a fresh start near his son, Aiden. Since Aiden lived in the quaint little town, so would he. It seemed rather silly to live so far from his only remaining family member and, since he liked Cedarwood, the move seemed simple.

“Dad, you’re sure you want to live here?” Aiden asked. “It’s not like you to want to live alone.”

“I’ve got Cissy,” Len said. He’d never be alone as long as he had his dog.

“That’s not the same. You’ve always been with someone,” Aiden said. “Keye, Ross, there was Norman… It’s not bad, but it’s different to live alone. Plus, you loved Springdale.”

“I did.” He shrugged to hide his momentary wince. He’d loved the town of Springdale, but everywhere he went, he was reminded of things he’d done and places he’d gone with Ross. Sure, Ross hadn’t beenthe one, but the relationship had failed, and Len hated to fail. “Keye loved Cedarwood, so it’s okay. I needed a new start and you’re here. I don’t want to miss things with you and Matt. Now that you’ve got three dogs, I want to see my grandpups and Cissy wants to play with her…cousins? I don’t know the hierarchy in family dogs.” His Irish setter loved playtime with other dogs and he couldn’t wait for them all to have another play date.

“Dad.” Aiden frowned. The crease between his eyes, the one that deepened when he thought too hard, seemed etched into his face.

Len smoothed the line on his son’s forehead. “You’re right. I hate being single. I’m better when I’m with someone, but there isn’t anyone and I’m not settling. I did before and it got messy. The right one is out there looking for a silver fox—me.” He’d hadthe oneback when he’d been married to Keye. Losing his partner sucked and he’d never find another man like Keye.

Aiden stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. “I know you’ve had boyfriends, but I didn’t need to know the silver fox thing.”

“Suit yourself.” Truth be told, he enjoyed embarrassing his son. Age didn’t matter. His son could be a hundred and he’d still give him hell.

“Your bed has been assembled,” Matt said. He wiped his brow. “All you have to do is add the linens. When is the rest of the furniture set to arrive?”

“Tomorrow. I scheduled the appointment with the movers for then so I could have all day to arrange my things.” He clapped Matt on the shoulder. “Thank you for putting that together. I’d have it all messed up. Give me a legal brief and I’m good. Parts for a bed? Yeah, it’d be a disaster.”

“It’s all good.” Matt chuckled. “I don’t know my ass from a legal brief, so we’re equal.”

“Do you have everything to get through tonight or do you need us to put anything else together?” Aiden asked.

“No, I’ll be fine.” Len folded his arms. “Do you have to work tonight?”

“I do.” Aiden rolled his shoulders. “I agreed to take a night shift to help out Dr. Carson. It’s just one night, but I’m not looking forward to it.”

“Neither am I,” Matt said, then kissed Aiden. “But we’ll get through it.” He turned to Len. “What are your plans for tonight?”

He loved that his son was happy. Matt was the best partner for Aiden. Where Aiden could be wound tight, Matt was loose. Len wanted that kind of love again. “There’s a mixer here at the complex. Everyone brings food, but since I don’t have anything to bring, I thought I’d just stop in for a moment.” He followed Aiden and Matt to the front door. “I don’t want to leave Cissy alone for too long, but I’d like to meet some of my neighbors.”

“And if someone happens to be there who’s handsome and single…” Aiden arched his eyebrow. “Or he’s hot, rich and single… Or those moving men will be hot.”

“I’m not interested.” He wanted a relationship, but wasn’t looking for a lover.

“Right,” Aiden said.

“Going to a mixer does sound like you’re starting to move on,” Matt pointed out.

“I want to be on my own a while. It’s been forever since I was independent,” Len said. “I’m enjoying it. I take Cissy for walks, only practice law when I want to, I’ve got the condo layoutIwant and I don’t have to tell anyone where I’m going. It’s nice.” He’d spent so much time catering to Ross, his ex-boyfriend. Now he could focus onhisneeds.

“You’re not lonely?” Matt asked.

“No.” He shook his head. “If I’m going to find someone, he’ll find me. I’m tired of looking and only finding dead ends.”

“Ross was terrible,” Aiden said. “I’m glad he’s gone.”

“Me, too.” He’d thought Ross might be his forever man, but once Len had had his stroke, he’d found out just what kind of a money-grubber Ross could be.

“Well, you’re better off.” Aiden tugged his keys from his pocket. “Just think before you dive into anything, and if you meet someone, make sure they’re out. No closet guys.”

“Make sure he’s clean,” Matt said.

“I know.” He’d listen because his son and son-in-law cared, but he knew the rules. “I’ve been around the block a few times.”

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