Though I’ve really enjoyed having my stepson Noah come live with me, there were a few bumps in the road at first. After his mother and I split up, Noah initially stayed with her. Over time, their relationship had become a little rocky, so after a stepfamily meeting, we all agreed that Noah would come and live with me for a while.

suppose it's in the nature of a man to remember the exact moments when a choice branches his life in a different direction. That night I spent with Cole, my T.A.—that was one of those nights. That was one of those choices I bear the responsibility for.

Work has kept stepdad busy lately. His students are lucky; imagine having a professor as sexy as Professor Snow! I’m lucky too—even in typical professor garb and glasses his shaved head and sharp features give him a powerful, masculine edge. I’m sure he’s given rise to any horny student’s “hot professor” fantasy.

Ever since my stepson Noah started living with me, I’ve become fond of early mornings. By the time that I’m up, showered, and ready to head to work, Noah is still in his bedroom fast asleep. Interestingly enough, the boy never sets an alarm anymore.

On a late Tuesday afternoon, Professor Snow and his teaching assistant Cole were left with far too many test papers to grade. The professor suggested to his young assistant that they work together at his home office, as this would offer them more quiet privacy.

With Noah headed off to college, Professor Snow couldn’t deny him the chance to go to the best school he could get into, But the professor couldn’t bear the thought of not having his special boy close at hand, either. Being the devoted stepfather that he is, he sold their old home and bought a place close enough for Noah to commute to campus. This might seem over protective but he doesn’t mean it to be. Noah even has his stepdad’s blessing to bring boys over to the house for whatever reason he might want.

Noah came home from school and Professor Snow greeted him with a warm welcome home, noticing that Noah was texting someone and giggling. The protective stepdad, Professor Snow asks with whom Noah is texting. Noah said that he was only talking to friends at his new school. Becoming introspective, the professor realizes that Noah is growing up, developing wings of his own, and soon he will find someone as a boyfriend, going his own way. The thought is bittersweet for the loving stepdad.

The best part of being a college professor is having holidays, long breaks and summers off to pursue personal interests. Sometimes I travel, other times I lock myself in my home office continuing the novel I have worked on for years. During summers, I enjoy the outdoors by hiking the local trails, going to the lake or simply tooling away in my private garden.