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.