BRIAN They say time heals everything. Whoever said that never dated Caitlin Baker. It’s been years since we ended, and most days, I pretend I’m over her.
Then she walks back into my life—all curves and chaos—and suddenly, I’m right back where I swore I’d never be. One night. That’s all it was supposed to be. She had her city life.
I had my badge and this town. It was better that way. Cleaner. Safer. But now she’s back—for real. Broke, stubborn, and crashing in my damn spare room. I tell myself I can handle it. Keep it friendly.
Keep my heart out of it. Then she tells me she’s pregnant. And just like that, I’m all in. Even if I know how this ends. She’s never wanted to stay. And I’ve never planned to leave.
CAITLIN I never planned on coming back to Poplar Springs. And I sure as hell didn’t plan on falling back into Brian’s bed. But when everything fell apart, this was the only place left.
I told myself I’d keep it simple. Work. Save up. Move on. But nothing’s simple when Brian’s involved. He’s steadier than I remember. Stronger, too. And the way he looks at me? Like he never stopped.
I was already halfway gone when I found out I was pregnant. Now I’m stuck between the life I thought I wanted… And the man I’ve never stopped loving. But he belongs to this town.
And I’ve never belonged anywhere.
