WON’T LET YOU GET AWAY

CLOVER CREEK FARM

MIKAYLA CHRISTY

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 CONTENTS

Playlist
Content Warnings;
Prologue
1. Sabrina
2. Noah
3. Sabrina
4. Noah
5. Sabrina
6. Noah
7. Sabrina
8. Noah
9. Sabrina
10. Noah
11. Sabrina
12. Noah
13. Sabrina
14. Noah
15. Sabrina
16. Noah
17. Sabrina
18. Noah
19. Sabrina
20. Noah
21. Noah
22. Sabrina
23. Noah
24. Sabrina
25. Noah
26. Noah
27. Sabrina
Epilogue
Bonus Epilogue
Thank you!
Acknowledgments
Stay in touch;
Also by Mikayla Christy!
About Me:

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 DIGITAL NOTICE:
The digital version of Won’t Let You Get Away is available on Amazon and the Kindle Unlimited
program.
If you have acquired this book through unauthorized means, click here to purchase a copy. Thank you
for respecting the hard work of this author.
Copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by imprisonment and/or a
monetary fine.

Created with Vellum

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 DEDICATION

For those who found their joy somewhere along this

bumpy road called life,
and for those who are hanging on for
dear life trying to find it;

You deserve to be happy.

Take the time. Find your joy.

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 PL AYLIST

The House That Built Me - Miranda Lambert

Echoes of You - Marianas Trench
The Best Part of Me - Lee Brice
International Harvester - Craig Morgan
Your Ghost - Marianas Trench
Something in the Orange - Zach Bryan
Doin’ My Best - Kelsea Ballerini
Whisper - Chase Rice
 Talk to a Friend - Rain City Drive
A Drop in the Ocean - Ron Pope
The Good Ones - Gabby Barrett
Ain’t Even Met You Yet - Chris Lane
Way Less Sad - AJR
If You Love Her - Forest Blakk
Spectrum - Florence + The Machine
Anything Like Me - Brad Paisley
Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding
Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right - Billy Currington
What Are You Waiting For? - Nickelback
Beautiful Things - Benson Boone
Under My Skin - Nate Smith
Control - Zoe Wees
Back to December - Riot house & Jack The Underdog
Blindsided - Kelsea Ballerini
me - Kelly Clarkson
Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain) - Gary Allan
It Matters To Her - Scotty McCreery
Fall Into Me - Forest Blakk

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 CONTENT WARNINGS;

Mentions of loss of parents/family

Pregnancy/mentions of preeclampsia
Profanity and Sexually explicit scenes (meaning this is not a closed
door/fade to black romance)

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 PROLOGUE

SABRINA

Two Months After The Getaway

“E xcuse me?” My voice trembles as I speak.

The doctor sighs, tapping his tablet before handing it off to the
nurse without a second glance. “Nurse Cori will answer any further
questions. If you’ll excuse me, I have other patients.”
He leaves without answering my question, muttering under his breath.
My heart races as I try to process what he just told me. I wait for the
nurse to tell me it’s a mistake or a misread result. “Is it true?”
Cori offers a sympathetic smile and nods.
“I can’t be,” I whisper. A hundred questions swirl in my mind, but I
can’t put them into words. I shake my head in disbelief.
She sets the tablet on the counter and faces me directly. “I’m going to
take a wild guess and say this wasn’t planned.”
I bark out a laugh. “No. This wasn’t planned.”
The reality of everything hits me hard.
I’m pregnant.
“There are options we can go over, resources for whatever decision you
make,” Cori’s soothing voice breaks through my panic.
 “I don’t even know his last name…” Carrie Underwood’s song echoes
in my head and another laugh escapes.
Cori maintains her poker face as tears spill from my eyes and words
tumble out in between sobs.
“Of course, leave it to me to call off my wedding to a man I’ve been
with for my entire adult life. Then go on the honeymoon alone and meet an
incredibly sexy man who makes me feel alive again…and completely forget
that I haven’t been on birth control in years! How did I not once think about
condoms during the four days we spent having the best sex of my life?”
Her stoic expression finally cracks as her eyes widen in shock. She
blinks slowly, her mouth hanging open before she composes herself.
“Wow…that’s a lot,” she stammers.
“That’s putting it nicely,” I mutter with a bitter laugh, staring down at
my hand that had unconsciously rested on my stomach. “What happens
now?”
“It depends on what you want to do. There are plenty of resources
available and a few different options for how you can proceed.” Cori grabs
some colorful pamphlets from the counter and hands them to me. “I don’t
expect you to make any decisions today, but if you’re ready, I can go
through your options with you.”
My gaze drops to the pamphlets in front of me, the word “choices”
practically jumping off the page. A wave of nausea hits me as my mind
races through what I should do. This is not how I imagined any of this
happening.
Memories of those four days spent with Noah flood my mind—his
touch, how he knew just what I desired and how to make me feel more alive
than ever before. But now, they feel like a distant dream, only serving to
amplify the gravity of this situation.
All my thoughts revolve around him.
What would Noah think? How would he react? Would he want to keep
the baby or be a father?
I forcefully push him out of my mind, trying not to succumb to the tears
that constantly threaten to spill. He made his choice when he left me
without a word. This is my responsibility now and even though I’m still
unsure of how I will handle it, I have already made up my mind.
Last year, I took control of my life in every way. Ending my
engagement to my closest friend was necessary for my own happiness.
Then, just as I had found happiness with someone new, it was snatched
away when he left without explanation.
After returning from my heartbreak honeymoon, I came to terms with
many things. I was tired of being miserable and knew it was time for a
change. That led me to quit my job.
Thankfully, both my ex-fiancé Paul and I were financially stable from
our work-driven lifestyle. So even without our split savings, I knew I could
support myself for a while as I figured out what’s next.
Now, I’m not any closer to having my life figured out or put together,
meanwhile, to top it all off, I’m pregnant with a stranger’s baby. But even
still, just the thought of giving up this baby makes my gut churn.
Taking a deep breath, I gently hand the pamphlets back to Cori with a
small smile.
“This may not be how I pictured things going, and I’m still struggling to
process everything, but one thing is clear to me. I am keeping this baby.”

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 SABRINA

1 MONTH LATER

“I can’t believe you’re moving back home,” Addison complains,

sealing yet another moving box with tape.
Rolling my eyes at my sister’s grumbling, I meticulously place
a bubble-wrapped mug into the box. Glancing around, the once-vibrant
apartment now feels empty and unfamiliar.
When I ended things with Paul, he offered to find a new place and let
me keep our shared home. He’s always been so kind and considerate, even
after I shattered his heart.
If only his kindness was enough to make me love him.
It’s only been a few weeks since I made the decision to move back
home, but I still couldn’t shake my doubts. After I found out that I’m
pregnant, I initially planned on telling my parents immediately. However,
when my mom mentioned that they had to let go of yet another manager at
the vineyard, I bit my tongue. Instead, of sharing the news, I offered my
help without hesitation.
My main goal for attending college was to eventually take over the
family business. However, my relationship with Paul took center stage and I
pushed my career aspirations aside. When Addison moved here for her
dream job in the city, it was convenient to ignore my growing unease about
the direction of my life. But now, everything has changed. My priorities are
different.
I’m different.
 After I worked out the logistics of joining their company and moving
home, I found it easier to justify not telling them about my pregnancy. After
all, big news like this is better delivered in person, right? Or maybe I was
afraid they would be angry that I don’t know who the father is.
With a grunt, Addison hoists the heavy box onto the stack, then turns to
face me with a raised eyebrow. “Seriously, Sis, is this a cry for help? Early
mid-life crisis? Wait, no it would be more of a late quarter-life crisis?”
“No, it’s neither of those,” I reply, but she continues without pause.
“How did I not know you were so unhappy here? Is that why you broke
up with Paul? Because you hate New York? We see each other all the time.
How did I miss this?” She closes the gap between us and takes my hands in
hers. “You still have me, sis. I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t talk to me.
But I’m here for you. We can find a place to live together and split the rent
if you want. And now that we’re both single, we can hit up all the clubs.
You don’t have to leave!”
“Addison, just breathe.” I softly grasp her hand and guide her towards
the kitchen bar stools. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”
She collapses into the seat, pulling me down onto the chair beside her.
“What’s going on? I thought you were happy here and now you’re
suddenly moving back home. Talk to me, Sis. Just tell⁠—”
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out.
Addison’s jaw drops open, but she remains silent for the first time
today. I wait for her to say something, anything, but after a long pause of
just staring at me, I cave and continue.
“That’s why I’m moving back. I mean, it’s not the only reason, but
given everything else going on in my life, going back home just feels like
the right thing to do. I haven’t been this sure of something since… well,
since going on the honeymoon over Christmas.”
I bite my lip, trying to push the thoughts of Noah aside and focus on my
sister.
“Ads, you didn’t do anything wrong. Hell, I didn’t even know how
unhappy I was until the week I called off the wedding. So there’s no way
you could have known. I’m not leaving because of anything you did or
didn’t do.” I squeeze her hand, emphasizing my point and hoping to snap
her out of her frozen state. “This way, everyone wins. I get to help Ma and
Pa out with the winery, they’ll be close by to help me with the baby, and⁠—”
 “Oh my god!” Addison finally squeals, jumping from her seat and
bouncing in front of me. “I’m gonna be an aunt! Holy shit, this is amazing.
Mom and Dad are gonna be so happy. And sure, it sucks that you won’t be
close to me anymore, but thankfully my new role lets me work remotely so
I can fly home to visit whenever. Wait!”
She plops down in the seat next to me, her eyes bulging as she leans
closer to whisper shout,
“Does Paul even know you’re leaving? Or that you’re pregnant?”
“Well, considering it’s not his baby, I didn’t think he needed to be
involved…” I reply coolly.
“Wait, what?” she stutters, blinking at me in confusion. Considering I
never went into that much detail about my trip, I don’t blame her.
“Yeah, remember the guy I told you I met on my honeymoon for a one-
night-stand?”
“Yeah…” Her narrowed eyes fix their gaze on me, attempting to extract
every detail from my mind. “The one who was hot and you clicked with
right away but then never exchanged information?”
I cringe, bracing myself for her reaction.
“Well, I might have left out a few details about how… connected we
actually got. And how many times we ‘connected.’”
“Excuse me?” Her voice raises an octave as she stands up and begins
pacing back and forth in front of me.
Anxiously fiddling with my braid, I recount my steamy fling with the
stranger from my Christmas vacation. Though I leave out some of the more
explicit details—after all, my sister doesn’t need to know about all the
mind-blowing orgasms he gave me.
Finally, Addison stops pacing and stands in front of me with her hands
on her hips.
“So let me get this straight,” she says sternly. “You had unprotected sex
with a complete stranger for four days and now you’re pregnant with his
baby and don’t even have his last name or number.”
“Oh shit,” a quiet voice comes from behind Addison.
My face heats as I glance over and see the two movers standing in the
doorway, one of them bending over to pick up a box.
With a groan, I drop my head into my hands. “Lovely. Now two
strangers know before my own parents.”
 “Our lips are sealed, Miss,” one of the movers says, lifting his box and
turning to leave. He urges his coworker into motion, causing the poor kid to
scramble for a box and quickly exit through the door. “Let us know if you
need help packing or lifting anything other than these boxes.”
The man scurries away, clearly eager to escape the awkwardness that
hangs in the air.
My sister shrugs and turns back to me, watching with a raised brow.
“What?” I ask, rolling my eyes and finally standing up. “You summed it
up perfectly. I have no job, no home of my own, and to top it off, I’m
pregnant with a stranger’s baby.”
Neither of us utter a word as I meticulously pack the remaining dishes.
The silence between us only serves as a reminder of the physical and
emotional distance that this move will create.
My heart sinks at the thought.
Returning home feels like the right decision but leaving my sister
behind is the only downside and it weighs heavily on my mind. When I left
for college, it was easy to overlook the fact that I was also leaving her
behind. With only two years separating us, she was busy navigating her
own life while I was off at school. But when she graduated and ended up in
upstate New York for college, it brought us close once more.
She loves her job at the law firm and has no reason to leave New York
like I do. For the first time, I can truly feel the weight of leaving my sister
behind.
As I label the last box as “fragile,” tears sting my eyes.
Addison quietly makes her way over and sits next to me. She leans her
head against my shoulder. “It’s going to be okay, you know?”
My voice breaks. “I feel guilty for leaving you.”
“Don’t you dare. Now that I know the whole picture, I completely
support your decision to move home. It’s what’s best for you and that’s all
that matters.”
I wrap my arm around her and pull her close. As I take one last look
around the now-empty apartment, I inhale deeply and smile. “Yeah, this is
definitely the right move.”

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 NOAH

“N oah.” My name leaves her lips with a beautiful gasp.

I smirk against her thigh and place a gentle kiss. My hands
trace up the inside of her legs and push against her knees. “Open
for me, Sugar.”
She obeys without hesitation, parting her legs and staring down at me
while biting her plump lips.
Fuck, she’s beautiful.
We came out here to relax and catch our breath, yet both our bodies
clearly have different ideas. Apparently, it doesn’t matter how recently we
last came, all I can think about is how she tasted on my lips and making
that happen again. The hot tub was supposed to help us unwind, but I can’t
keep my hands off her.
Bri sits on a towel at the edge of the large hot tub, resting her weight
back on her palms while I stand in the water between her knees looking up
at her pretty face. She hasn’t gotten in yet, and if I have it my way, it’s
gonna be another few minutes before she does.
Reaching up, I cup her cheek in my hand and guide her face down
towards mine so I can kiss her. She moves easily, kissing me slowly and
sighing contently against my lips.
When her tongue sweeps along my lips, I pull away and slide my hand
down the column of her neck to her chest. Carefully, I apply a bit of weight
and push her chest until she’s lying before me. “Every inch of your body is
perfect.”
 Cupping one of her breasts in my hand, grateful we both decided to
forgo swimsuits, I bend forward to capture her nipple in my mouth.
Bri groans and the sound goes straight to my cock.
“I could worship your body for the rest of the night, hell the rest of this
week, and still crave more.”
Her thighs tighten around my sides, pulling me in and grinding herself
closer. I chuckle against her chest, kissing her sternum and starting my
descent.
“Patience, sweetness.”
She mumbles something in response, but I’m too lost in my mission of
tasting and kissing my way down her body. I kiss her hip and run my hands
down her thighs, holding her legs apart while I sink to my knees before her.
The bottom of the hot tub digs into my knees, but I’m too focused on the
sights of her perfect pussy directly in front of me.
Without wasting another second, I dive into her.
“Fucking perfect,” I grumble against her cunt, swiping my tongue
along her entrance.
“Noah,” Bri breathes my name again, reaching down to tangle her
fingers in my hair and holding me in place. As if I’d even think about
leaving.
I flick my tongue over her clit, the whimper of approval leaving her lips
my only sign to continue. Letting one of her legs go, I continue to feast on
her and slowly stroke my own cock.
It’s barely been an hour since I’ve been inside her and already I’m
aching for more. I jerk myself to the pace of my tongue fucking her,
groaning as I look up to find her clutching her breast with her free hand.
She’s a goddamn siren.
With my free hand, my fingers find her clit, circling and applying
pressure while I continue to fuck her with my tongue.
“Shit, yes. Please, Noah.” She begs beautifully.
Pleasure coils through me, my pulse pounding in my ears and that
delicious tension gathers at the base of my spine.
Bri’s legs shake, the sound of her breathing reaching my ears as she
chants my names and begs for me to make her come.
I flick over her clit once more at the same time she pinches her nipples,
her scream of pleasure meeting my ears just as she⁠—
“Yo, Noah, you awake?!”
 “Mother fucker,” I growl and release my cock, dropping my forehead
forward against the cool shower tiles. Despite the sound of water pouring
over my head, I could still hear the heavy thudding of boots racing up the
stairs.
“Good, you’re awake,” Connor announces cheerfully, coming into the
bathroom with our knocking.
“Do you mind?” I say through gritted teeth, glaring at him over my
shoulder through the glass shower doors.
“Nah, man. Nothin’ I haven’t seen before.”
I take a deep breath and resist the urge to punch him. “Dude, get out!
I’ll be downstairs in five minutes.”
“Fine, I’ll start coffee.” He strolls out and closes the door behind him.
I really need to change the locks to this place.
I let out a long sigh and quickly rinse off, doing my best to block out my
anger towards him for barging in. Then again, that’s just how we’ve always
been.
When he was away at college, our farm felt too silent. Having him back
now, living in the house he bought and fixed up on the other side of our
land, is a welcome change from the loneliness. And it’s not his fault that
this morning is one of those rare occasions where thoughts of her still linger
despite my attempts to push them away.
It’s probably a good thing he interrupted me.
As soon as I returned from my tropical Christmas get away, chaos
surrounded me. My home was a mess, my father had just undergone surgery
and was being moved to the ICU, and everything seemed to be going
downhill. So, I pushed thoughts of Bri aside and focused on being there for
my family.
It wasn’t until we left the hospital three days later that it hit me—Bri
hadn’t called.
I threw myself into making funeral arrangements to keep from dwelling
on her absence. After we laid our dad to rest, I sought solace in working on
the farm. It was easier than facing the reality of what went wrong with Bri
and feeling angry towards her for not even texting. But every time I allowed
myself to think about her—usually in the shower where I couldn’t control
my thoughts—all I could remember were the moments we shared during
our steamy vacation.
 Still, even those private moments of self-pleasure with memories of our
passion filled time left me feeling empty and disappointed. I had too much
to do around the farm to be consumed by thoughts of Bri.
After turning off the shower, I quickly go through my mental to-do list
as I get dressed. When I make it downstairs, Connor is already filling two
to-go cups of coffee and pushing one towards me across the kitchen island.
“Why are you up so early?” I ask bluntly, skipping pleasantries.
Connor has never been a morning person, even when he worked on the
farm. It was usually fine since it meant someone would be around to help
with things at night. But seeing him here at six in the morning sets off
alarms in my head.
Connor shrugs casually and turns to face me after placing the pot back
on its warmer.
“Tuck wanted me to remind you about dinner with the Jones family
tonight, just making sure you’re not bailing.”
My gaze snaps to him.
“What? What dinner?”
He raises an eyebrow at me, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.
“The dinner he told us about two weeks ago.”
“Shit,” I curse under my breath. Rubbing the back of my neck, I shake
my head. “Crap, man, I completely forgot.”
Connor chuckles. “Tuck owes me five bucks.”
“You bet that I would forget?”
“Hell yeah. Tuck bet that you knew and had an excuse ready to bail. So
thanks for helping me win.”
His words sting, even though I know he’s just teasing. It hurts that they
automatically assumed I wouldn’t go tonight. Instead of responding, I take a
sip of my hot coffee and shake my head.
“What time?”
“Ma said dinner at six. That’s why I’m up early today, got some things
to do at the shop and wanna finish with my three o’clock session without
having to clean up too much after.” He explains. Making his way towards
me, he grabs his baseball cap off the counter and playfully nudges me with
his shoulder. “So you’re comin’ tonight?”
Clearing my throat, I nod. “Yeah, I’ll be there.”
He beams at me, his hazel eyes crinkling at the corners as he jokingly
punches my shoulder with his tattooed fist.
 “Perfect. I’ll be finishing up my last appointment by five, so I’ll meet
you here after changing and we can head over together.”
I follow behind him, grabbing my old Clover Creek Farm baseball cap
off the coat hook in the entryway and pulling it onto my head as we head
outside. The cool air hits my face, and while it doesn’t bother me, I’m glad I
remembered to put on my flannel this morning.
“How’s the shop?” I ask, trailing a few steps behind my brother as he
heads towards his car. He turns to face me with a proud grin on his face.
“Really fucking good. Ever since we started posting the tattoo’s we do
on social media, we’ve been slammed! All my slots are booked for the next
month and a half, which is impressive for a town this size.” He opens his
car door and leans in to place his travel coffee cup in the holder before
turning back to me. “I gotta list a job opening for an assistant, though.
Bookkeeping and general cleaning on top of all the appointments Sean and
I are bringing in is starting to get overwhelming. Not that I’m complaining
since it pays the bills.”
He laughs it off, but concern creases my forehead as I realize just how
busy he’s been lately.
“If there’s anything I can do, just ask,” I offer, though I’m unsure how
helpful I could really be.
Connor shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips. “I’m good, man.
Just need to hire some help,” he reassures me.
I nod, feeling a pang of guilt for not staying updated on everything
happening with him and his business. As he drives off, I turn towards the
barn, determined to leave my pity-party behind.
Losing my dad and not hearing from Bri has been tough, but it shouldn’t
affect my relationships with those still here for me. I remind myself that I
need to sort through my own issues without neglecting the people around
me.
Pushing open the creaky barn door, memories of Bri linger at the back
of my mind, mingling with disappointment over Connor and Tucker
assuming I wouldn’t show up tonight. The whole reason my dad organized
my holiday vacation was to make sure that I could learn to prioritize my
personal life over work.
Knots tighten in my stomach as I trudge through the barn, greeting the
horses who lazily peek their heads out of their stalls.
 Dad worried that I didn’t know how to live a fulfilling life, and now that
I’ve shut everything out since coming home, I can’t help but wonder if he
was right.
I love this farm but being with Bri for those few days made me realize
that there’s more out there for me. Squaring my shoulders, I resolve to make
a change. I’ll be present and involved in Connor’s life, maybe spend more
time with Tucker and other friends in town.
Starting with dinner at the Jones’s tonight, I need to figure out how to
have a work-life balance—whatever that may look like.

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 SABRINA

“O h, thank God we’re finally here!” Addison hops out of the vehicle
and groans with relief.
I chuckle and stretch my arms above my head.
“Yeah, it must have been very exhausting being a passenger princess.” I
tease, giving her a playful glare.
She narrows her eyes at me. “Don’t even start. I tried to drive multiple
times, but you wouldn’t let me.”
I shrug unapologetically. I’ve never been good at being a passenger, and
since turning twenty-five, it’s escalated to actual car sickness. Despite my
protests, Addison and Paul once planned a surprise trip to the Adirondacks.
Paul insisted I just “sit back and relax” while they drove. But after only
thirty minutes on the road, my motion sickness hit hard.
Shivering, I reach for my purse between the front seats of the truck.
“We both know it was for the best that I drove instead,” I remind Addison.
She shudders visibly, her eyes flicking down to my stomach. Before she
can say anything else, she’s interrupted.
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”
I spin around with a wide smile as Tucker saunters over to us.
“Now I know damn well that Ma told you I would be here, Tuck.”
“I was told that an angel was coming to the vineyard, but I had to see
for myself,” he chuckles, his blue eyes sparkling as he grins at me. “Good
to see you, Sassy.”
 Closing the distance, I push to my tiptoes and wrap my arms around his
neck to pull him down for a hug. As we pull apart, I can’t resist squeezing
his bicep.
“Dear lord, how much muscle do you have?” I exclaim, emphasizing
my point by giving it another squeeze.
He laughs and holds me at arm’s length, smiling down at me. “Gotta
find some way to impress you.”
I let out a giggle, unable to contain my amusement. Tucker has always
been the heartthrob of our small town, constantly teased by our mother
about his potential modeling career thanks to his perfect jawline. But
despite his killer good looks and our amazing friendship, there was never a
romantic spark between us… much to Ma’s disappointment.
As I step back from Tucker, I notice his gaze shift behind me and his
perfect smile falters slightly. “Addy,” he addresses her with a clipped tone,
dipping his chin in her direction. I have to bite back my grin as I know how
much Addison detests that nickname.
“Tucker,” she responds flatly, pushing past us towards our parents’
house.
I nudge Tuck with my elbow and give him a pointed look. “Remind me
again why I’m the one nicknamed Sassy Pants when you’ve met her?”
He chuckles and wraps an arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his
side. “Because you’re sassy to everyone. Grouchy pants only has sass for
me.”
“Are you coming, Sis?” Addison calls out from halfway across the
driveway.
Tucker responds before I can speak. “Ma and Tommy are already at the
cabin. Pa’s heading there after finishing up a meeting. Ma asked me to
escort you both down so I could make sure the truck doesn’t get stuck going
down the dirt road.”
I reach up and give his hand on my shoulder a grateful squeeze.
Addison shoots him a glare. “And just how do you plan on getting down
there?”
He lets me go and jerks his thumb over his shoulder, motioning to my
moving truck. “That truck is headed in the same direction. Figured I’d hitch
a ride with my favorite Jones.”
He bumps me playfully with his shoulder, flashing me a smile. Addison
rolls her eyes.
 “Hate to break it to you, but there are only two seats in that truck.
Sabrina is the driver, so there’s no room for you.”
She smirks victoriously, thinking she has the upper hand as they engage
in a silent glare-off.
But I’ve known Tucker for over fifteen years and don’t need to look at
him to know what he’s about to say. Hell, even Addison should know better
by now.
I’m making my way towards the driver’s seat when Tucker finally
speaks up.
“You did your math wrong, Addy-Cakes. There’s a seat for all three of
us.”
I roll my eyes, smirking as I turn to watch my sister’s face.
“Did you hit your head on a barrel, Tucker?” Addison holds up her
pointer finger. “Driver’s seat for Sabrina,” she adds another finger, making
a peace sign and waving it dramatically. “Passenger seat for me.”
Tucker flashes a cocky grin, raising his hand and holding up a finger.
“Driver’s seat for Sassy.” He adds another finger. “Passenger seat for me.”
A third finger goes up. “And my lap is the seat reserved for you, Princess.”
The sound of my sister sputtering in anger only makes me laugh harder.

“O h my god , just park the truck!” Addison yells.

We’ve only been driving for five minutes, but with the way my sister
complains, it feels like hours.
“Relax,” I tell her, assessing if I can actually turn the truck around. “I
don’t want to hit anything.”
“That’s fine,” Tuck offers, his Southern drawl a comforting presence in
the tense atmosphere. “You can park it here. I’ll turn it around and back it
up closer to the cabin to make unloading easier.”
“Thank you,” I sigh in relief, parking the truck without hesitation.
Driving in New York City traffic? No big deal. Driving twelve hours
from New York to South Carolina? Piece of cake. But backing up this
moving truck without taking out a fence post or hitting the cabin? Not a
chance.
Addison throws open the door the moment the truck is in park,
practically flinging herself out as if she’s on fire. I just shake my head,
gathering my purse and a couple of bags that hold what’s left of our road
snacks.
To this day, I don’t actually know why Addison hates Tucker so much.
When he first started working at the vineyard after our senior year, they got
along without a problem. But somewhere between when I left for college
and when Addison left a few years later, something happened. She just
never told me.
With the few bags loaded up, I’m about to open my door when Tucker’s
hand shoots out to gently grab my arm. I expect to find him smiling and
ready to crack a joke, but when I glance at him over my shoulder, my breath
catches in my throat. He’s watching me closely, brows knitted together and
a rare frown marring his handsome face.
“I’m only gonna ask once,” he states seriously, causing my heart to
pound heavily in my chest. “And whatever answer you give me is what
we’ll go with and I won’t push it again.”
Tucker and I were in the same grade together, hung around a lot of the
same friend groups, and spent a lot of time around each other. In all the
years I’ve known him, I can count on one hand the serious conversations
we’ve had. Not because I feel like I can’t talk to him, but because
somewhere along the way we made an unspoken agreement to distract each
other when life gets tough.
But this time, distractions and ignoring the problem aren’t going to cut
it.
“What’s up, Tuck?” I try teasing, but it falls flat. Sitting back in my seat,
I rest the bags on the ground and wait for him to answer.
“Are you okay?” he asks quietly, and before I can respond, he holds up
a hand and continues. “I don’t just mean physically. Don’t get me wrong,
we’re all grateful you’re back home. But something happened that pushed
you back here, and something tells me it was a lot more than just the
breakup with Paul.”
Trying to hold back tears, I bite my lip and turn away from Tucker. The
past week it has been a struggle not to cry, especially with Addison around
to help me pack. But now, alone with Tucker, the emotions threaten to
overflow as he simply asks if I’m okay.
After a moment of silence, Tucker speaks up again. “You don’t have to
answer me if you’re not ready. Just know that I’m here for you.”
Meeting his gaze, I can’t help but smile at his concern.
He smirks back. “And just so you know, if someone hurt you, Tommy
and I will come up with a game plan for body disposal.” A small chuckle
escapes me and I reach for my bags once more.
“I’m serious, Sabrina.”
The use of my full name catches my attention and I pause again. It’s not
that I don’t want to answer him; it’s just that telling him the truth is more
complicated than a simple yes or no. If I told Tucker that I’m not okay but
I’m figuring it out, he’ll only be more curious.
Answering honestly means revealing why I ultimately decided to come
home.
I love Tucker like a brother, but there’s no way my Ma would forgive
me if he found out about my pregnancy before she did. It was one thing for
Addison to know before her, given how close we are.
Taking a deep breath, I reach across the gap between us and squeeze
Tucker’s hand. “If I answer that, I’ll start crying. And then you’ll ask why,
and I won’t lie to you.” Movement catches my eye and I turn to see Ma
standing in the cabin doorway, waving at me. Smiling back at her, I turn to
Tucker once more. “How about this? I promise that if you ask again later
tonight, I’ll answer then.”
Tucker gives an understanding nod. “I can wait.”
Reaching between us, he takes a few bags from my arm and jumps out
of the truck. As he heads towards the cabin, greeting my Ma with a kiss on
the cheek, I focus on calming my racing heart and holding back tears.
When she turns to look at me again, her mostly white hair blowing in
the breeze, I finally come to terms with the fact that things are about to
change.
Carefully climbing out of the truck, I take one more deep breath before
closing the door and putting on a smile as I turn towards the cabin. “Hey,
Ma!”
With surprising speed, she practically launches herself off the porch and
at me.
 I stumble back and wrap her into a hug. My purse presses awkwardly
against my thigh and the bags I’m carrying almost slip from my arm, but I
don’t really care.
The warm, familiar scent of vanilla washes over me as my mother
envelops me in a hug. It’s a small comfort amidst the worries and
uncertainties of the past weeks. This is why I came back home.
There’s just something about a hug from my mom that helps ground me.
She looks me over and her hands grip my shoulders tightly as she holds
me at arm’s length. Almost immediately, it’s as if she can see the turmoil
behind my eyes despite my forced smile.
Her brows furrow and she cups my cheek with her hand. “You look
exhausted, honey. Did you let your sister do any of the driving?”
I laugh. “And trust Addison behind the wheel with all my belongings?
No way.”
She sighs, shaking her head and taking a step back. “Come on, let me
show you around. Tommy just finished making the bed and is putting some
towels in the bathroom for you.”
“Ma, I told you I have my own linens,” I protest. “And I know what the
cabin looks like.”
“But it’s one less thing for you to worry about unpacking tonight. Plus,
it gives you no excuse to miss dinner at the house.” She waves her hand
dismissively and hooks her arm through mine to pull me along. “Also, you
haven’t seen the cabin since Pa finished his renovations.”
“Renovations?”
“Oh, I mentioned it before. He needed a project a few years ago, so I
suggested fixing up this place.” She pulls the screen door open and motions
me inside. “You never know when someone might need a place to stay, and
I couldn’t let anyone stay here in its previous condition.”
“It wasn’t that bad,” I say, trying to recall what the cabin looked like
before.
My mom ushers me through the door and I am immediately taken aback
by the drastic changes. What used to be a simple, rundown cabin with one
bedroom, one bathroom, a living room, and a small kitchen has been
completely transformed.
“How did I not notice these changes from the outside?” I murmur in
disbelief while trying to process what I’m seeing. “Pa did all this?”
 Ma beams at me, taking the rest of my bags from my arms and heading
for the kitchen. “He had some help with plumbing and electrical work, and
the boys next door helped with heavy lifting and painting when they could
spare time.”
“This is more than just a small renovation.”
My dad went above and beyond simply updating the cabin. He
expanded it, but kept an open concept feel. The kitchen and living room are
now separated by a butcher block island, where Addison sits typing away
on her phone. All the stainless-steel appliances shine like new. On the other
side of the living room, there’s a brand-new mantel above the updated stone
fireplace flanked by two bookcases.
At least now I know my books won’t be sitting in boxes.
As I walk through the living room towards the new glass sliding door,
my jaw drops in amazement. The back wall of the cabin has been opened up
to reveal a brand new porch and a view of the fenced-off farm land behind
our property. But as I take it all in, something else catches my attention. To
my right is a bedroom that wasn’t there before, and to my left are two doors
that used to lead to a small bedroom and bathroom. Before I can even ask
about these changes, the bathroom door opens revealing my brother.
“Well, hey, baby bro.” I smirk and cross my arms.
Tommy’s head snaps up in surprise and it’s then that I finally wonder if
he’s still upset with me for breaking off my engagement to Paul. Since the
very first time I brought him home, my brother has thought my ex could do
no wrong. He was Tommy’s hero.
Addison had mentioned that Tucker gave him a hard time over
Christmas for being mad at me despite knowing I was unhappy in my
relationship. Since then, Tommy and I have only spoken a few times.
Just as I start to spiral with concern that he’s mad at me, Tommy snaps
out of it and rushes towards me, scooping me up in a hug and spinning me
around. This is something he’s done since the moment he outgrew us girls,
and normally I love it. But with the way my stomach is feeling, the quick
motion doesn’t sit well.
“Um, Tom-ster, you might want to put her down…” Tucker’s muffled
voice comes from somewhere in the cabin, but I can barely hear him over
the sound of blood rushing in my ears.
Tommy stops abruptly and releases me, but keeps his hands on my
shoulders to steady me. I try to aim myself towards the bathroom but
everything is still spinning and I stumble into Tommy’s arms again.
“Sabrina!” Someone gasps, but all I can think about is not throwing up
on the living room floor.
Tucker appears at my side, hooking an arm around my waist to help
Tommy hold me up. “Let’s get you to the couch,” Tommy suggests.
I shake my head, instantly regretting the movement and clamp a hand
over my mouth.
“Um, I think the bathroom might be a better option,” Tucker says, his
voice filled with concern.
I give his arm a reassuring pat but don’t nod or move. Before I can even
protest, Tucker scoops me up in his arms and carries me to the bathroom.
He sets me down and I quickly scramble towards the toilet.
After what feels like an eternity of hell emptying the contents of my
stomach, I push away from the bowl to flush it. It’s then that I realize
someone has been holding my hair away from my face and rubbing my
back through it all.
Groaning, I sit on the floor and smile weakly up at Tucker. “You could
have just left me here.”
“That wasn’t even an option,” he soothes, releasing my hair and
standing up. “Are you gonna throw up again or can I help you stand?”
I take a deep breath, assessing how my body feels. After a few
moments, I’m mostly convinced that my stomach has settled. “I should be
good.”
Tucker helps me to my feet and I finally notice the luxurious updates
my Pa made to this bathroom. What used to be a cramped stall with just a
shower, toilet, and small sink, is now spacious and modern. The shower has
been upgraded to include a bathtub, the vanity is all white with a sleek
black faucet and handles, and there’s even a closet for added storage.
“Damn. I would have managed with how it was, but Pa did good in
here.”
“He did,” Tucker chuckles, looking around before turning back to me.
“I know you said to ask at the end of the day…”
I shake my head, cutting him off as I move towards the sink. “Let me
clean up first. I’ll be out in a second.”
He eyes me skeptically but walks away.
I go through the motions, heading straight for the cabinet under the sink.
My Ma always keeps extra toiletries on hand, prepared for any visitors who
may have forgotten something.
As I open a new toothbrush and toothpaste, I prepare myself to tell my
family about the baby.
I’ve been thinking about how to break the news, debating whether I
should tell them individually or all at once. It’s been over a month since I
found out and while it’s still easy to hide with flowy tops and sweaters, or
blame it on too many tacos, I know I won’t be able to keep this from them
much longer. And honestly, I don’t want to.
I just need to hold out until Pa is around, and then I can tell everyone at
once. Addison already knows, but I can blame the sickness on being in a car
for the past day to buy me time.
Squaring my shoulders, I’m about to open the bathroom door just as a
booming laugh echoes from the other side. I yank the door open and
gravitate towards the sound. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I round
the short hallway corner and see my dad hugging Addison.
His eyes meet mine immediately, his laugh lines crinkling at the
corners.
“There’s my girl, heard your brother made you sick.” He chuckles,
letting go of my sister.
“I did not!” Tommy protests, but I say nothing.
Instead, I practically fling myself into our dad’s arms.
He catches me without missing a beat, bending down to wrap his arms
around me. And then it all comes crashing down. The dam breaks and I sob
into his chest.
“Shit… okay, maybe I did make her sick,” Tommy says. “But I swear I
didn’t mean to! I just⁠—”
I shake my head. “No, no, you didn’t do anything wrong.”
Sighing, I stay in Pa’s embrace for a moment longer. Addison meets my
gaze and lifts an inquisitive brow. With a reluctant sigh, I pull away and
slowly walk over to my sister.
She smiles and offers me her hand. “I think Bri has something she wants
to tell everyone.”
I latch onto her, reminding myself that everything will be okay. With my
eyes closed, I focus on taking deep breaths before finally gathering the
courage to tell my family the news.
“I’m pregnant.”
 The cabin falls completely silent as though time has frozen for a
moment. Then, suddenly, everyone bursts into cheers and laughter. My
mother’s eyes fill with tears of joy and she immediately starts making plans
and takes out her phone to start ordering essential baby items.
As their happiness washes over me, a wave of true excitement finally
takes root within me for the first time since I found out about the baby.

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 NOAH

“I ’ve got the updated inventory for you, Boss Man.” Mack huffs as he
drops the clipboard on my desk.
I glance away from the computer screen to look at him.
“Thanks, I’ll try to order what we need today and head into town tomorrow
for the rest.” I quickly snatch up the clipboard and scan through the details.
My office is small but cozy, filled with nostalgic furniture and personal
touches. The homemade desk from my grandpa sits by the mini fridge,
while filing cabinets line one wall. The room has been a central spot for
every generation of farmers on our land.
The main barn is the heart of our farm, storing all our supplies and
equipment. Upstairs, I had the loft converted into a break room for our
hardworking crew a few years back. And with my office right next to the
stairs, I can easily check in on everyone throughout the day without
trekking across the entire farm.
I glance up at Mack. “How’s it looking out there?”
He shrugs and plops onto the worn-out couch across from my desk.
“S’fine. Kenny’s lettin’ Rosie and the mares out to stretch their legs.”
Nodding, I lean back in my seat, closely watching Mack as he
absentmindedly picks at his nails. He’s been working as a farmhand here for
nearly five years, one of the first people my dad allowed me to hire on my
own. I can count on one hand the number of times he’s called out from
work. He always shows up on time and gets stuff done without being asked.
But I’ve never given him a chance to take on more responsibilities around
the farm—or any of the other guys, for that matter.
Lately, the last piece of business advice my dad gave me keeps playing
in my head. He told me that I need to delegate work instead of carrying all
the weight myself. “Just because you can do it all, doesn’t mean you should.
Believe in the team we’ve built. If you can’t trust them, why are you paying
them?” he said. And as much as I hate to admit it, I might have to agree
with him.
“The supplies for the damaged fence at the property line should be
arriving within the next day or two,” I say, clearing my throat and forcing
myself to continue. “Can you oversee the repairs?”
Mack’s head snaps up, brows disappearing under shaggy blond hair.
“Sorry, what?”
I clench my jaw, tamping down the urge to rescind the offer. “I want
you to head up the fence repairs.”
He blinks at me, shoulders tensing. “You never let anyone take lead on
stuff like this.”
“I know,” I say. “But it’s time I do. You’ve helped with repairs often
enough to handle this. If you can’t do it, just say so.”
“No, I can do it. Just wasn’t expecting you to ask.” He grins, shoulders
relaxing. “I’ve worked on enough projects with you over the years to know
how it’s done.”
“Excellent.” I bite the inside of my cheek to distract from the simmering
unease in my stomach. Giving up control and responsibility is a foreign
concept to me. “We’ll meet up in a few days to finalize repair plans. I want
it done right. If everything goes according to plan and weather permits, the
repairs shouldn’t take more than a couple weeks.”
“I got this, Boss Man.” Mack pushing to his feet. “It’ll be a walk in the
park.”
Before I can respond, he bounds from the office, and silence settles
around me like a smothering blanket.
I turn my attention back to the inventory list, using it to distract myself
from chasing after Mack. The familiar columns and numbers soothe my
unease, but only slightly.
I know I’ve gotta stop trying to control everything, but that doesn’t
make it any easier. I’m miserable unless I can put my eyes on a problem
and fix it myself. Leaving this task to him means that I’ll constantly have to
fight the urge to micromanage.
However, it’s well past time for me to learn to let go.

M y phone alarm blasts , startling me from my focus on the computer. I

let out a string of curses and jab at the screen to silence it. My eyes burn
and a gnawing ache has settled in my lower back after hours hunched over
the desk. I roll my stiff neck and remind myself it’s all worth it.
The admin tasks for the week are finally completed.
I save and print updated documents, jot down order numbers to file
away, then shut off my computer and push back from my desk. As I grab
my keys from the hook by the door, I mentally list the tasks that need to be
tackled tomorrow.
Locking up my office, I turn just as Kenny strides into the barn with a
frown etched on his face.
“You headin’ out?” he asks, surprise lacing his voice.
“Yeah, the Jones’ invited Connor and me to dinner.”
Kenny raises his eyebrows momentarily before clearing his throat and
shaking his head. “Good for you, kid.”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes at being called a kid, considering he’s
only four years older than me. While the farmhands had fun teasing him
about his ‘over the hill’ fortieth birthday last year, the only giveaway to his
age is all the gray that weaves into his long black hair.
“You need somethin’ before I head out?” I ask, noticing the
determination in Kenny’s eyes as he entered.
Scrubbing a hand along his scruffy jaw, he shrugs. “Yeah, Rosie was
actin’ weird. Thought you might want to call AJ and have him come check
on her.”
“Shit,” I grumble, glancing at my watch to see how much time I have
before Connor shows up. I only have about thirty minutes to get home, take
a quick shower to wash off the barn smell, and get changed.
Maybe I should let Kenny call AJ…
 I remind myself that I need to trust my team to handle things. If it
weren’t for the fact that it’s Rosie, letting Kenny take care of this small task
might actually be easier than asking Mack to lead the fence repairs. But
ever since Rosie was born five years ago, she had always been my dad’s
favorite.
That mare had him wrapped around her hoofs.
An ache spreads in my chest, and I clear my throat. “I’ll text you his
number. Can you see when he can come by?”
“Holy shit, Macky boy wasn’t lying, was he?” Shock coats his voice.
I lift a brow at him. “If you don’t wanna call AJ, just say so.”
His dark eyes widen. “No, fuck, I’m sorry kid. I’ll call him. I already
have his number.”
He shoots me a reassuring smile and bolts for the door.
“Kenny,” I call out to him before he leaves. “Text me and let me know
when he’ll be here.”
He gives me a thumbs up and exits the barn without another glance.
I stand frozen for a moment, a pit of doubt forming in my gut. This
whole “trusting others” thing is easier said than done.
Needing to get out of here before I change my mind about everything, I
start the five-minute walk back up to my house. By the time I’ve freshened
up and changed, Connor is stomping into my house.
He lets out a low whistle, appraising me from where he stands in the
entryway. “Well, look at you. Here I was thinking I’d have to hunt you
down and drag you out of the barn.”
I level him with a glare, not bothering to respond, and head toward the
kitchen.
Connor follows after me. “Um, Noah, the door is in the other direction.”
“I know where my front door is.”
“And yet you walked in the opposite direction of it.”
Stopping next to my refrigerator, I open the cupboard beside it and pull
out the bottle of Lagavulin Scotch. Turning back to my brother, I hold it up.
“Can’t show up to dinner empty-handed,” I remind him. A shit-eating
grin spreads across his face.
“You’re right. That’s why I picked up some flowers for Ma.”
“You just had to one up me, didn’t ya.”
Connor backs out of the kitchen and heads toward the front door. “Nah,
it means we’ve got both hosts covered.”
 The short drive to the Jones’s house is filled with Connor talking away
about the people who made the two-hour trek from the city to visit his shop.
I simply listen, my chest swelling with pride at his success and popularity.
He might not have wanted anything to do with working on the farm, but he
sure as hell took our father’s work ethic and applied it toward his business.
“At this point, there isn’t an opening on my schedule for the next
month.”
“Damn, that’s insane. Did you list that assistant opening today?”
He hums in acknowledgment. “Yeah, but I doubt I’ll find anyone soon.”
We pull into the Jones’s long driveway, and I raise a brow at the moving
truck taking up space behind Tommy and Tucker’s cars.
“Who did you guys say was coming tonight?”
“Her oldest daughter is moving into the cabin at the back of their
property, and the middle helped her drive the truck down.” Connor puts the
car in park, hopping out and grabbing the flowers from the backseat.
“That’s right.”
Tommy greets us at the door before either of us have a chance to knock.
“Perfect timing,” he says with a crooked smile on his face. “Ma was just
asking about you guys.”
Tommy is a good kid, looks exactly like his father—brown hair and a
boyish charm that I can’t remember ever having.
“Come on in.” He claps me on the shoulder and holds the door open for
us. “The Dawson boys are here, Ma!”
Their modern ranch home has an open concept that I remember Connor
once describing as a Pinterest perfect farmhouse. The stairs by the front
door, leading to the bedrooms on the second level, block the kitchen from
the entryway.
We line our shoes up next to the others on the mat as Pa laughs loudly in
response to one of his girls.
Connor follows behind Tommy, greeting Ma and offering her the
flowers. From where I stand, I can see Pa Jones standing at the end of their
giant kitchen island, grinning like I’ve never seen before.
He looks over at me, the smile stretching impossibly wider. “Noah! I’m
glad you were able to make it!”
“Wait, what?” a familiar voice calls out.
My heart pounds in my chest and my feet carry me to the kitchen on
their own. I halt and stand frozen. All thoughts leave my head, as I convince
myself that I’m hallucinating. The laughter and voices fade away as a face
that haunts my dreams stares back at me.
Bri gasps and her jaw goes slack. A ceramic bowl slips from her hands
and shatters on the floor.
My body doesn’t even flinch, and my stunned gaze remains fixed. All I
can do is stare back into her beautiful brown eyes and drink in the sight of
her.

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 SABRINA

P regnancy hormones must be messing with my brain. There’s no

other explanation for why I’m seeing Noah standing in front of me. I
blink rapidly, hoping to dispel the hallucination, but he remains—
just as handsome as I remember.
His brown hair is longer now, curling at the edges. Dark facial hair has
grown out a bit, but it’s still well groomed. Memories of what it felt like to
have his beard against my skin sends a shiver up my spine.
I push the thought away and admire his sculpted arms, straining against
his flannel shirt. For a moment, I’m not even annoyed by my mind’s
trickery.
Only when my mother grabs my hands and pulls me back do I finally
look away.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“What?” I ask, suddenly realizing that everyone in the room is staring at
me.
“Go sit down and I’ll clean this up,” Tucker says with the broom
already in hand.
I follow his gaze to the broken glass and chips scattered on the floor.
“Oh shit.” I gasp, reaching for the broom to help clean up.
“Watch your language,” Ma scolds, holding onto me as Tucker starts to
sweep up the mess.
“I got this, Sassy,” he reassures me.
My mom guides me to one of the kitchen chairs and makes me sit down.
 I sigh. “Sorry about your bowl… I didn’t even realize it had slipped.”
“It’s just a bowl,” she brushes off with a wave of her hand. “No one was
hurt and now I have an excuse to go shopping.”
Pa groans from across the room. “That’s code for ‘hide my wallet.’”
My heart drops as I watch him welcome my hallucination and take a
bottle of from his hands.
“Ma?” I whisper in disbelief, unable to tear my eyes away from Pa’s
friendly greeting towards Noah and the bottle of brown liquid he takes from
him.
“Connor! Noah!” she exclaims, practically skipping over to them.
My heart sinks as I watch my mother pull both men down into a hug. It
would almost be funny to see my five-foot-two mother trying to embrace
two six-foot men if the circumstances weren’t so painful.
Yet, I can’t bring myself to laugh.
Of all the ways I had imagined reuniting with Noah, seeing him in my
mother’s kitchen after driving since two in the morning was not one of
them. Hell, my eyes are probably still swollen from crying happy tears with
Ma after telling her about the baby.
The baby.
This can’t be happening. Not like this.
“Sabrina, are you okay?” Tommy asks from across the room. He’s kept
his distance since making me sick earlier. “You look a little pale.”
Everyone’s focus shifts back to me.
I force a smile. “I’m fine.”
“Get your sister a glass of water,” Ma orders, crossing the room to sit
beside me again. She smiles brightly and gathers my hands in hers while
turning her attention to the two men standing just outside the kitchen.
“Boys, this is my oldest daughter, Sabrina.” She motions toward my
sister. “And this is my middle child, Addison. They’ve been living in New
York City for the past eight years! But Sabrina is finally coming home
because⁠—”
I squeeze her hand as a warning and shake my head. That news being
shared with Noah needs to happen in private.
She glances at me in confusion before continuing.
“Well, anyway, now we just need to convince Addison to come back.”
My sister, who has been watching me with narrowed eyes, finally
breaks and snorts while rolling her eyes.
 “Yeah, it would take something really major to get me to come back to
small-town living.” She smiles sweetly at Noah and the other guy. “I am
definitely a city girl.”
Noah remains a statue while the man with him moves to stand at the
island beside my sister.
“Totally get it. Moving back here after college life was a hell of a shell
shock.” He tells her with a quiet laugh.
“You grew up here?” Addison asks, probably trying to piece together
why we’ve never seen them around before. I never asked Noah how old he
was when we were on vacation, but this other guy looks like he can’t be
much younger than me.
“Yup, Noah and I grew up on the farm behind your parents’ vineyard,”
he smiles, laugh lines wrinkling at the corners of his shining hazel eyes. As
if hearing the unspoken question, he continues with a wink. “We were
homeschooled.”
Addison nods. “That explains it. I definitely would have noticed you in
high school.”
Tucker slams the pantry door, putting the broom away. When he turns
back to the room, a rare frown distorts his face as he makes eye contact
with me.
I raise a single brow in question.
He shakes his head and smiles again.
My attention drifts back to Noah. He hasn’t moved an inch, staring at
me with an expression I can’t read. An ache forms in my chest. Considering
how intimately close we had been over the holidays, I know absolutely
nothing about the man standing before me.
“Sorry, I got distracted without finishing introductions!” Ma interjects,
standing and moving back to the stove. “Girls, this is Noah and Connor
Dawson. Noah now runs Clover Creek Farm, and Connor owns the new
tattoo shop in town!”
She practically beams as she tells us about the two men standing in her
kitchen. If I wasn’t one of her children, I would assume they were part of
her family. Ma talks about Tucker the same way. When he first started
coming around, she immediately treated him as if he were her own.
The affection in her voice has me itching to know when she became this
close to these two men. Has she told me about them before and I wasn’t
paying attention? My trips back here were rare. I only came back for two
days when they finally opened the tasting room and a couple of days when
Tommy graduated from high school four years ago.
That ache grows as I realize just how distant I’ve become from my
family since leaving for college. Shoving aside my disappointment, I suck
in a deep breath and wait to see if Noah announces that we have actually
met.
He finally moves, releasing me from his stare as he nods to the bottle in
Pa’s hand. “I know you all like your wine, but I bought that bottle last year
thinkin’ you’d like it.” His deep voice rolls over me, reminding me that he’s
real and that I’m not making him up.
I thought moving home would be the easiest option. But now the
happiness and excitement morph into uncertainty and chaos. My life feels
as if it’s going up in flames and I’m sitting here with a squirt gun.

A s dinner and dessert wind down, my emotions spin out of control. My

racing thoughts and hormones almost push me to the brink of insanity.
Noah remains stoic, not acknowledging our previous encounter or
speaking a word to anyone unless directly prompted. But every time I steal
a glance at him, I catch his intense gaze fixed on me. It’s as if we’ve never
met, yet his unrelenting attention tells a different story.
The unspoken elephant in the room and his intentional ignorance leave
me uncertain of my true feelings. After all, I’m just as guilty for staying
silent during introductions. But to be fair, he’s the one who disappeared
without a word in the middle of the night. Is it wrong for me to want to see
how Noah handles this situation before revealing our shared secret? I barely
know him and observing his reaction to surprises could give me insight into
how he may handle the news of becoming a father.
“I’m a little jealous you get to stay in the cabin.” Connor muses, pulling
me from my emotional spiral.
“Connor actually helped Pa with the painting retouches!” Ma gushes
from the kitchen sink while Dad joins in on dish duty. Despite our offers to
help, they insisted on tackling it themselves and told us to relax.
 “Ah, that explains why the colors turned out cute,” I jokingly remark
loud enough for my parents to hear.
“I’ll have you know I picked out one of those paint colors!” Pa laughs,
playfully sticking his tongue out at me.
Leaning closer and lowering his voice so our parents can’t hear, Connor
adds, “Yeah, he chose white.”
I giggle and quickly avert my eyes. Unintentionally, they land on Noah
and the lighthearted moment deflates. He scowls at both me and his brother,
but even in a grumpy state, he remains undeniably attractive.
Hastily looking away, I sneak a peek at Connor who watches me with a
frown.
“I think I’m going to head back to the cabin to get some rest. It’s been a
long day,” I announce, actively avoiding eye contact with Noah. Right now,
all I need is a long, hot shower and a good night’s sleep. The inevitable
conversation about our unborn child will have to wait one more day.
Blurting out “I’m pregnant” to a man I barely know is not the best
approach. I need a game plan. I need a few hours to carefully consider what
I want to say—and then probably overthink it from every other possible
angle.
“It’s dark out…” Connor comments, and I can’t help but notice how odd
a frown looks on his face. The resemblance between him and his brother
becomes more noticeable—more than just their height and build—but it’s in
their mannerisms that their relation becomes more evident. Noah has
piercing blue eyes, tall and tan with tattoos adorning his body. When upset,
he’s effortlessly attractive. Connor, on the other hand, is beautifully
different.
His hair is light and short, with hazel eyes that seem to twinkle when he
speaks. While he is also covered in tattoos, there are colorful accents
weaving through everything visible on his arms. His relaxed demeanor
helps dissolve some of the tension in the room—much like a golden
retriever.
Come to think of it, he reminds me of Tucker.
“I’ll drive you back; I have to feed the cat anyway,” Tucker offers,
taking his empty glass to the kitchen sink.
“You have a cat?” My sister let out a snort of disbelief.
“AJ found her in his parking lot,” Tucker replies simply, slipping past
Addison without giving her a second glance. He slides up in front of me
with his signature grin and extends his hand. “Need a ride home, Sassy?”
“What would I do without such a gentleman around?” I playfully bat
my lashes at him and slip my hand into his, allowing him to pull me up
from the couch. Noah stands up, capturing my attention once more. But
despite his glare at our intertwined hands, he remains silent.
Either everyone here is completely oblivious to the tension in the air, or
for once in my life, my entire family silently agreed to make it through one
evening without making things awkward. I had been certain that my mom
would call Noah out for being moody and quiet during dinner. But she
simply chatted away and gave him a free pass.
“We should head out too. It’s past Noah’s bedtime and he turns into a
gremlin if he stays up past midnight,” Connor jokes, standing beside his
brother with an arm around his shoulder.
Gremlin after midnight? More like some sort of sex god after midnight.
I choke on a cough at the thought. I didn’t need to be thinking about sex
with Noah right now.
Tucker follows behind me as I quickly say goodnight to my family,
promising to join them for breakfast. After exchanging a barely coherent
goodbye with the Dawson brothers, I dash for the door.
As I make my way to Tucker’s truck, the cool, crisp early spring air
brushes against my face. Taking a deep breath, I focus on calming my
racing heart.
Tucker stays silent, joining me by the truck and opening the passenger
door with a polite nod. I welcome the moment to gather my thoughts.
Just as he begins backing up, my parents’ front door swings opens.
Noah steps onto the porch, his arms crossed and his jaw tight. Our gazes
lock, and he scowls in response.
Maybe I should have lingered a bit longer, given him an opportunity to
follow me and address things privately.
My stomach flips at the thought of what I could have done differently.
Or maybe it was just the baby disagreeing with the extra two pieces of
garlic bread.
Regardless of the “should haves” and “could haves,” if we had spoken
tonight, it would have ended with either yelling or crying.
I needed time to find a way to set aside the pain he caused by leaving
like he did before we could talk. Because this wasn’t about me, it was about
the baby. If he didn’t want to be involved in our child’s life, it was his loss.
However, if he did want to be included, we would need to figure out how to
co-parent.
The close proximity of our location would make that easier.
Letting out a deep sigh, I rest my head against the headrest.
If we were going to handle all of this like mature adults and not
traumatize our child with our own issues, we both needed to be able to have
calm conversations. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind for
that now.
“It’s the end of the night,” Tucker reminds me when we’re halfway to
the cabin.
“It’s been a very long day,” I huff in response. He remains silent for a
few moments, and I don’t say anything more, allowing him to decide if he
still wants to ask his question.
“Wanna talk about why you hate a man you just met?” he asks bluntly.
“What are you talking about?” I retort, feeling self-conscious and
flustered.
“I mean, it’s either you hate him or want to sleep with him,” Tucker
continues, oblivious to my discomfort. My cheeks flush with
embarrassment at his words, knowing he’s referring to Noah.
“That’s not true,” I deny, turning away from him and staring out the
window. “And I definitely don’t want to sleep with anyone who was in that
house tonight.” The lie slips easily off my tongue, but even I can tell it
sounds fake.
“Sabrina,” he says firmly.
“Tucker,” I snap back, sinking into my seat. “Ask your question from
earlier.”
“I think I’m nosey enough to want to know the answer to why you hate
Noah Dawson more than my original question.” He pauses, quickly
glancing at me. “Well… maybe. I also want to know that you’re okay…”
“Ask the question, Tucker.” My voice is quiet, practically drowned out
by the crunch of the tires over the dirt road.
As we slowly approach the cabin, Tucker lets out a heavy breath.
“Are you okay?”
“He’s the father,” I blurt out without thinking.
Tucker slams on the brakes and we skid to a stop in the middle of the
road. My seatbelt locks and digs painfully into my chest, taking away my
breath momentarily.
 “What the hell?” I gasp, turning to glare at Tucker. Only it’s then that it
finally dawns on me that I had been so distracted by my thoughts of Noah,
that I willingly got into the passenger seat.
“Say that again,” he demands.
“What the hell?” I say sarcastically and try to ignore the way my
stomach churns as he slowly drives up to the cabin.
“Sassy.”
“You heard damn well what I said, Tucker Harris.”
“I might not be an expert when it comes to women or pregnancies, but
I’m pretty sure you can’t get pregnant just from being in the same state as a
man. Meeting a hot guy doesn’t automatically make him the father of your
unborn child,” Tucker replies with a raised eyebrow.
“You think Noah is hot?” I can’t resist teasing him.
Tucker gives me an unamused look before answering, “You know damn
well that’s not the point here.”
“Are you and my parents close with the Dawson brother’s?” I steer the
conversation back on track.
“We get along, occasionally hang out for a beer in town. Ma and Pa
used to be good friends with Noah’s dad. They helped them out a lot when
he got sick,” Tucker explains.
I nod, a thought crossing my mind. “Were they both around for
Christmas?”
Tucker’s shoulders drop and parks in front of the cabin. “Sort of.
Connor was dealing with family stuff but Noah went on a trip his dad set
up.”
“A trip?” I prompt, wondering if Tucker will make the connection on his
own.
“Yeah, some Caribbean resort or something,” Tucker answers, eyes
widening as he slaps a hand onto the center console.
“Shut up,” he gasps, sounding like he just heard the juiciest gossip of
his life. I can’t help but laugh at his reaction.
“Why don’t you come inside and let me change into some comfortable
clothes? Then I’ll tell you how I actually know the farmer next door.”

OceanofPDF.com
 NOAH

I t’s been forty-eight excruciating hours since I saw her again. The
agony of knowing that the woman who haunts my dreams now lives
near me has been unbearable. Every passing moment feels like an
eternity in hell.
Stepping into the Jones’s kitchen, I almost convinced myself that I was
hallucinating, a brain tumor playing tricks on my mind. But it was real. Bri
is here.
My gaze clung to her all night, fearing a blink might make her
disappear. She was even more stunning than I remembered. Her casual
leggings and off-the-shoulder sweater couldn’t hide her perfect figure. It
took all of my willpower not to think about how she felt pressed against me.
Memories of our vacation flooded my mind as relief washed over me at
the sight of her. Words failed me the entire night. So many questions
swirled in my head, overwhelming me. Why didn’t she call? How did we
never run into each other in town while growing up? How old is she? She
said she loved the city, so why is she moving back here?
With every new question came ten more, weighing me down like an
anchor.
I grunt as the last bag of chicken feed from my truck hits the ground.
Originally, this task was for our farm hands, but I quickly changed my
mind. Not because I distrusted them with unloading the feed, but because
keeping busy kept me from riding one of our horses over to Bri’s house and
pounding on her door.
 At some point, we’ll need to acknowledge that we do know each other.
The only reason I didn’t bring it up the other night was because I didn’t
want an audience for such a personal conversation.
Yesterday, working around the farm served as a distraction while I
waited for her to show up. But she never did.
This morning while I finished running errands in town, I debated
whether I should be the one to reach out to her. But if she didn’t call me,
why should I force her to talk to me now?
“Can I help you, pretty lady?” Mack calls out, his drawl heavier than
usual.
He’s been inspecting the fence supplies delivered this morning near the
front entrance of the barn for the past hour. Since I was unloading at the
back doors, it was easy to forget he was even in here.
Jumping down from my truck, I move the dolly closer to the chicken
feed and almost drop a bag on my foot when I hear the response to Mack.
“Who’s in charge here?”
Setting down the bag, I head towards the front of the barn.
“If you want someone in charge, I’ll gladly be your boss,” Mack quips.
“Mack,” I seethe, ready to lay into him, but Bri cuts me off with a dark
chuckle.
“It’s funny, because if I’ve learned anything, it’s that when someone
uses being in charge as a pick-up line, they’re typically overcompensating
for something they’re lacking.”
A laugh escapes me, barely covered by a cough. Mack straightens and
steps toward Bri.
“What did you say, bitc⁠—”
“Mack!” My voice rings out as I step between him and Bri. “You will
watch how you talk to women on my property.”
His face is as red as a tomato. “But she⁠—”
“I don’t care. You will watch how you speak to her, end of story. Don’t
like what she says? Walk away.”
He matches my stare, jaw and fists clenched. There’s an expectation in
his eyes—he’s waiting for me to back down.
“Walk away.” I repeat calmly.
He curses under his breath, throws the clipboard onto the inventory pile
and stomps off.
 I suck in a deep breath and wait until he’s left the barn before turning to
face Bri.
Damn, she’s pretty.
Her copper waves are pulled away from her face, draping down her
back and blowing in the light breeze. Freckles dot her pink cheeks and nose,
drawing my attention to the way her brown eyes shine while she glares in
the direction that Mack left. She’s wearing painted-on blue jeans and a
flowy blouse that dips down enough to tease me with a glimpse of her full
breasts.
My memories did not do her justice. She shines brighter than any star in
the sky, capturing my attention and making it impossible to look anywhere
else.
Her gaze snaps in my direction.
During our short time together, there was a lightness about her that drew
me in like a moth to a flame. It was so easy to just be in her presence, to just
be in the moment and soak up her contagious happiness.
But now there’s a sharpness in her gaze and it’s directed at me.
“So I take it you’re in charge?” She breaks the growing silence, crossing
her arms under her chest. If I was a better man, I would continue to hold her
stare and refuse to succumb to the desire to look.
But I’m not a better man. At least not when it comes to my attraction to
her.
Clearing my throat, I nod. “I am.”
“Fine, then tell me you have a solution for that?” She jerks a thumb over
her shoulder.
Following the direction she’s pointing in, I spot Rosie slowly wandering
closer to the barn entrance.
“That’s Rosie,” I state, reaching for some sugar cubes from the cabinet
by the door.
“That’s a horse that was on my parents’ vineyard.” She retorts.
My focus returns to the mare, my hand slowly rising to stroke her neck.
“She was up near the vines?”
Rosie usually sticks to the vicinity of the cabin and the apple trees. But
if she’s ventured near the vines, she would pass a few peach trees that
Tucker planted years ago.
That might explain her recent odd behavior.
 “No, not when I found her.” Bri steps up beside me, her gaze on Rosie
filled with concern. “She was at my front door when I was leaving for the
winery. Nearly scared me half to death.”
Relief washes over me knowing she was back by the cabin. From the
corner of my eye, I watch Bri’s fingers clench into fists, as if she’s
struggling to keep them at her side.
“Then she wouldn’t stop following me! I tried to get her back through
the broken fence but she just stared at me and wouldn’t move until I started
walking over here.”
The mental image of Bri wrestling with a horse brings a smile to my
face.
“Thought Tucker would’ve warned you.” I keep my voice neutral when
saying his name, despite my jealousy. Watching him smile, joke, and touch
Bri so casually stung more than it should have.
“Warned me? You mean wandering horses is a normal thing around
here?” She takes a step back in surprise.
“No, wandering horses is not a normal thing.” I smile at Rosie who
continues to watch Bri intently. “But Rosie wandering is pretty standard.”
“That can’t be good for the vines! If she’s eating the inventory or⁠—”
“She never goes up there.” I cut off her rant and turn to face her.
“Tucker says she likes to hang out by the cabin, occasionally napping by the
back porch. She doesn’t wander far.”
“So, you don’t have a solution to contain her?”
“Thought you liked horses, Sugar.”
The nickname slips out before I can stop it. Bri freezes, cheeks flushing
a pretty pink as she turns her gaze back to me.
“Yes, I do. Just not before coffee or breakfast.”
Fair enough.
I gesture towards the clipboard Mack tossed aside in his wake.
“There’s a list of supplies we need for fence repairs. So, your stray
horse problem should be resolved within a few weeks.”
Though she’s still blushing, Bri refuses to look at me. Rosie approaches
her, dipping her head slightly.
“I think she likes you,” I comment.
Bri’s gaze quickly flicks to me, then back to Rosie hanging around in
front of her.
“May I touch her?” Bri quietly asks.
 “I believe she’d welcome it.”
“But how?”
Her simple question causes my heart to pound in my chest. Struggling
to find the right words, I step behind Bri, barely leaving any space between
us.
Keeping my movements slow, giving her plenty of time to tell me to
stop and back off, I reach out and take her hand, making sure to handle it
gently. Guiding her palm towards Rosie who huffs in response, closing the
distance between them to sniff for a treat.
With my free hand, I fetch another sugar cube from my pocket and
reach around Bri’s other side. On reflex, I guide the cube into her
outstretched palm.
Bri laughs softly when Rosie finds the treat. She leans back into me as I
help her move her hand down Rosie’s neck. Though she doesn’t need my
guidance anymore, I can’t bring myself to pull back.
In front of me, both females release sighs of contentment.
“Bri...” My voice hangs in the air as my forehead comes to rest on top
of her head, and I’m enveloped in the subtle scent of apples.
Disappointment that she never called is temporarily dissolved by the
impromptu moment we now share.
She pulls away from my embrace, her head shaking as she creates
distance between us. “Not yet,” she says with a broken voice, her eyes
glistening with unshed tears. “I know we need to talk about…this,” she
gestures between us. “But can I have a few days to just…breathe?”
“Yes,” I answer without hesitation.
Her voice is uncertain and tired, the toll of packing, moving, and
starting a new job with her parents evident in her rambling.
“Between all that’s going on, I-I’m sorry, what?”
Needing to occupy my hands so I don’t do something impulsive like
pull her back into my arms, I continue stroking Rosie. “Take all the time
you need. You know where to find me when you’re ready to talk about…” I
trail off, unable to articulate my thoughts. When she doesn’t respond, I
sneak a glance at her and see her studying me intently. “What?”
“I don’t know. That’s not the answer I expected.” She murmurs.
“Clearly,” I scoff.
“Why?”
 I take a moment to contemplate her question, searching for the right
words. But before I can answer, Bri continues speaking. “Sorry, I should be
grateful that you’re agreeing with me, but I was expecting either a ‘there’s
nothing to talk about’ or ‘it’s now or never’ type of response. Just forget it.
I’ll come back in a couple days.”
As she turns to leave, I call out her name and immediately stop her in
her tracks. “Bri,” I say firmly. “You asked for what you needed and who am
I to deny that? If you need time, then take it. Pushing you when you’re not
ready or in the right headspace won’t do either of us any good. Your well-
being is more important than anything else. So take your time, rest and
gather yourself. I’m not going anywhere.”
Even from a distance, I can see her bottom lip trembling as she nods and
softly thanks me before hurrying out of the barn.
It isn’t until a few hours later when I’m mindlessly working in the barn
that I realize how true my words were. Despite everything we’ve been
through and all that we still need to discuss, Bri has me wrapped around her
finger.
I’m not going anywhere.

OceanofPDF.com
 SABRINA

“D amn girl, you didn’t waste any time taking over the office,”
Addison quips.
“Half the reason I’m here to work.” I remind her sternly. But
my annoyance dissipates when I see the binders in her hands. “Are those
the numbers from Ma?”
“Yes. However, it feels like I should hold them hostage until you take a
break from this place.” She playfully taunts, holding the binders close to her
chest.
Frowning, I join her in looking around the room. My presence has taken
over every surface—discarded sweaters, Post-it notes with tasks scribbled
on them, and half-eaten takeout containers.
“You make it sound like I’m some sort of office troll.” I grumble,
pushing my chair back and stretching.
“All you need is a messy bun and some cheese puffs and you’re there,
Sis.”
“Thanks,” I sigh in annoyance. “Now I’ll be craving cheese puffs for the
rest of the day.”
Addison rolls her eyes, dropping into the seat at the small table in the
corner of the room and continues to guard the binders.
I’ve been working on updating my parents’ business plan for four days
now. Their record-keeping system is outdated and disorganized, and it’s
been a headache trying to make sense of it all. Folders and files are piled up
on the floor in front of the book shelves across the room from my earlier
search for last year’s payroll numbers. It’s frustrating to know that after all
this effort, everything will eventually need to be digitalized or shredded.
“You’ve only been here for a week and you’re already getting lost in all
of this,” Addison comments, gesturing to the cluttered table between us.
“It’s called doing my job,” I retort defensively.
“Yeah, but that’s all you’ve done!” She counters. “I didn’t bring you
here just so you could bury yourself in work again.”
“Well, technically, I brought you since you didn’t drive,” I remind her
with a smirk.
She scowls at me before closing her eyes and sighing deeply.
“This is exactly what you were doing back in the city, where you said
you weren’t happy,” she presses on. “I can’t just sit back and watch you fall
into that same routine.”
Shaking my head, I reach across the table and place my hand on top of
hers.
“Trust me, this is different.”
“Are you sure? Because to me, it looks like you’re using work as a
distraction and avoiding having a social life,” Addison voices her concern.
I bite my tongue, knowing she’s not entirely wrong. Work has been
consuming most of my time, but it’s not because I’m trying to avoid having
a social life.
It’s to avoid running into Noah. He promised to give me space after our
initial encounter, and he’s kept his word. Well, except for his horse who
greets me every morning at my front door, but that’s not his fault.
Tucker is the only one who knows about my complicated connection
with Noah. While he handled the news gracefully and didn’t push me for
more details, I know my family all too well. They’ll undoubtedly insert
their opinions into my personal life once they find out, and I’m not ready
for that yet. Not until I figure out how I truly feel.
“I’m not avoiding a social life,” I defend myself. “There just aren’t
many options in this small town.”
Addison flashes a mischievous grin, causing nerves to flutter in my
stomach.
Having been dragged to countless clubs and bars by my sister, I’ve
come to recognize her let’s cause chaos look. And this is definitely it. “Oh
no,” I mutter.
 “You just haven’t been back here since high school and don’t know
where to look.” Addison winks and tosses the binder onto my pile of
paperwork. She stands up quickly and walks around the table, pulling me to
my feet before I can react.
“I’m going to show you my favorite spot,” she declares.
“Addison, I⁠—”
“Since it’s my last night here before heading back to the city, you can’t
say no.” She snatches my phone from the desk and guides me out the door.

“T ell me again why I even agreed to this?” I grumble to my sister as I

yank off another shirt.
“Because you said there’s nothing fun to do here, and while I agree
Honeywell is the epitome of small-town hell, I enjoy proving you wrong.”
Addison always makes time to visit Mom and Dad a few times a year,
so she definitely knows all the best bars and hangout spots we couldn’t go
to as teenagers.
“You know, most people would call this bringing a designated driver,” I
tease.
I’m holding up a shirt on its hanger in front of me, scrutinizing myself
in the mirror when Addison appears in the bedroom doorway with her arms
crossed.
“You’re not going just so I have a DD.” She scrunches her nose and
gestures towards the shirt in my hands. “Not that one.”
“That’s it. I’m not going! Literally everything I own makes me look
either lazy or pregnant.”
I throw the shirt onto my growing “hell no” pile and flop onto the bed.
Addison blinks slowly, raising a single eyebrow.
“Well…you are pregnant.”
“Oh my God, you’re kidding!” I gasp dramatically and cup my barely-
there bump. “I thought I just ate too many tacos for lunch.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me if your baby comes out craving tacos instead of
milk,” Addison muses with a sigh, sitting down beside me on the bed.
 “I just want to have a fun night,” she says, resting her head on my
shoulder.
“Is that why you invited Hannah?” I blurt without thinking.
Hannah and my sister have been friends since middle school, though if
you ask me, calling them “friends” is being generous.
Addison is fiercely loyal to those she cares for, sometimes to a fault.
She puts their victories above her own and will go to great lengths to hype
up her friends. My sister and I rarely fight, but our biggest argument was
when I expressed my concerns about her friend Hannah being self-centered
and toxic.
Despite that, I’ve always been civil with Hannah for the sake of
Addison. The only problem is that Hannah knows I don’t like her and
doesn’t show me the same courtesy.
“Please don’t start with that. I just wanna have fun with my sister and
best friend,” Addison pleads.
“You’re right,” I concede, wrapping my arm around her shoulder.
“Especially since next time you see me, my idea of fun will folding baby
clothes.”
Addison laughs, “Between me and Mom, you’ll have plenty of folding
to do.”
“I’ll make sure to attach the rule—you buy it for the baby, you fold it
for Mama,” I tease, playfully shoving her away. “Now help me pick out a
top so we can go.”
After an hour of listening to Addison catch me up on her college friends
while getting ready, there’s a knock on the cabin door. Before I can even get
to the living room, Tucker barges in with a scowl.
“What are you doing⁠—”
“Why wasn’t the door locked?” he interrupts.
“I didn’t think about it after letting Ads in,” I shrug, crossing my arms
and giving him a suspicious look. “Plus, the only one who usually shows up
here is a sassy horse with attachment issues.”
“Shit,” Tucker mutters, rubbing his hand over his face. “I forgot to warn
you about her and the fence repairs.”
“Yeah, Noah told me when I had to lead her back to the farm.”
Tucker’s expression falls.
“You saw Noah?”
Making my way around the kitchen, I pour myself a glass of water.
 “Did you tell him about⁠—”
“No!” I hiss, glancing towards the bathroom to make sure Addison is
still occupied. Keeping my voice low, I continue. “I went over there ready
to rip him apart for not keeping Rosie away from the vines and then finally
tell him about…everything.” Taking a deep breath, I admit, “But when I
saw him, it was just too much. I couldn’t think straight, couldn’t even
process what I was feeling.”
His features soften as he trails behind me and rests against the kitchen
island, facing me. “Do you ever plan on telling him? Or anyone else?”
“Yes, I just don’t want to end up in tears when I tell him,” I say, peeking
down the hall.
“And what about your family?” Tucker questions carefully.
“Don’t like being the only one who knows, huh Tuck?”
He shrugs and crosses his arms over his chest.
“No, I don’t mind keeping your secret. But your brother keeps asking
where Paul is and how he’s okay with you being here.”
“What?” My voice rises unintentionally. “Why is he even bringing up
Paul?”
“Well, maybe because your family assumes he’s the father.”
“Dammit,” I curse under my breath and drop my head into my hands.
Since leaving New York, I haven’t thought about Paul once. It never
crossed my mind that my family would assume he’s the father.
“Yeah. While it is entertaining to watch him get all defensive about you,
and I am definitely not Team Paul, it’s hard to tell them they’re wrong
without telling them why,” Tucker says.
“I know, I know. They deserve to know the truth.” Shaking my head, I
finish off my water and turn back to Tucker. “But Noah deserves to hear it
from me first before anyone else finds out.”
Before Tucker can respond, Addison finally appears in the doorway.
She stops in her tracks when she sees Tucker.
“Why are you here?” she asks, with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Tucker doesn’t miss a beat, whirling around with a mischievous grin on
his face. “I wanted to see my favorite Jones.”
I stifle a laugh and grab my shoes from the closet.
“Fine. You saw her. Now you can leave. It’s girls’ night out,” Addison
says cheerily.
“I know, that’s why I’m here.”
 “What are you talking about?”
Tucker holds up his truck keys.
“Ma was worried about you ladies causing trouble and messing up her
car. So, either she follows you around all night like a hawk, or I come
along.”
Addison throws her hands up in exasperation and turns to me with
pleading eyes. “She does realize we’ve both been out in New York City
before, right?”
“Well, actually, I think she likes to pretend we just stayed home every
night knitting,” I add with a smirk.
“Whatever,” Addison grumbles, glaring at Tucker. “Sabrina is already
driving.”
Tucker doesn’t back down. He only shrugs and continues smiling.
“That’s fine. You guys can drive yourselves. I’m meeting AJ for a drink
anyway, so I’ll be there just to ease Ma’s worries.”
“Great, so now we have the party police watching our every move,”
Addison mutters sarcastically.
I slip on my coat and grab my keys, feeling a sense of excitement for
the first time since Addison insisted on dragging me out.
Maybe tonight will actually be fun.

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 NOAH

T here is nothing worse than going out after eight o’clock at night,
especially on a Friday night in a small town with only one good bar.
“That’s it, I’m asking them to make my food order to-go,” I
grumble as another stray elbow bumps into me. At this point, I’m convinced
that Ms. Patty, the owner of the local grocery store, is purposely nudging
me.
When I walked in with Connor thirty minutes ago, Ms. Patty and her
crew cornered us for longer than I would have liked. They fired off
questions faster than we could answer and didn’t let us escape until one of
the waitresses brought them their next round of drinks.
“Hell no. If I can manage to eat my food here without complaint, so can
you,” AJ says from beside my brother.
“Easy for you to say when you don’t have the town’s women invading
your personal space every chance they get,” I remind him, taking a sip of
my beer.
Although my brother and I are usually the tallest guys in the room, AJ
towers over us. His daily workouts have sculpted his frame into an
intimidating figure, but behind his grumpy persona, he’s one of the nicest
guys I know.
AJ shrugs and absentmindedly picks at the label on his beer bottle. “Just
be more of an asshole.”
I snort and shake my head, not bothering to respond.
 He wasn’t always so closed off; if anything, AJ used to be the epitome
of a ray of sunshine wherever he went. But everything changed after he was
the sole survivor in an accident that killed his entire family.
As another elbow slams into my back, I turn to address the owner of the
flailing arm but find myself distracted by Bri walking through the front
door.
My breath catches as she comes into view; she’s easily the most
beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
Her dark purple top accentuates her chest before flowing down to the
tops of her thighs. Black pants cling to her legs, practically begging me to
peel them off.
Her sister and another girl slip past her with linked arms, heading
straight for the bar, but my eyes stay locked on Bri.
The smile on her face creates laugh lines at the edges of her eyes as she
turns to follow after her sister. Without missing a beat, she looks in my
direction. Her beautiful smile instantly fades away and she pauses mid-step.
Behind her, a figure emerges and nearly bumps into her from behind but
catches themselves with a hand on Bri’s side.
My teeth grind painfully against each other as I watch Tucker lean over
her shoulder to say something. Without breaking eye contact with me, she
tilts her chin towards me, making my heart skip a beat.
Staying true to my word and giving her space has been more difficult
than I anticipated. While I didn’t want to overwhelm her, it’s hard having
her so close yet still having no answers.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s not to force people to
talk about things they’re not ready to discuss.
But will Bri ever be ready to talk about what happened between us on
vacation?
Sighing, I turn back to the bar just as our food is delivered. It’s a
welcome distraction from my urge to look at Bri.
“You good, bro?” Connor asks, watching me over his burger.
Instead of answering, I just nod and shove some fries into my mouth.
Focusing on my food takes more effort than expected. As I take a bite of
my burger, a smooth and feminine voice interrupts.
“Looks like we’ve got a great view at the bar tonight.”
I glance over my shoulder to see the blonde woman who came in with
Addison, standing behind my brother. But her gaze is fixed on AJ, not me. I
stifle a laugh, not wanting to risk her attention shifting to me.
Connor, ever the polite one, speaks up for us. “Evening, ma’am,” he
responds simply, acknowledging her presence but keeping his focus
elsewhere. “Hey, man. Didn’t think you were gonna show!” Connor says
with surprise as he greets someone else.
I twist more to get a better look and see Tucker heading towards us,
with Bri following close behind. I’ve known Tucker for years and spent
many nights sitting in these exact seats with him. Not once did I feel
anything other than respect or kinship towards him.
But seeing him so close to Bri now makes my stomach churn.
“I told you I’d be here. Just had to offer chauffeur services,” Tucker
laughs as he moves around the frowning woman and takes the empty bar
stool next to AJ.
Addison joins them with two glasses in hand, while Bri stands next to
her sister without looking in my direction. Instead, she stares at the seat
next to Tucker.
“Here you go, Hannah. Vodka sprite with an extra shot and a lime.”
Addison passes her friend one of the drinks before finally noticing and
greeting us with a wave.
“Oh, hey guys!” Addison smiles, waving to me and Connor before
turning back to Hannah. “Did you want to get⁠—”
“You know them?” Hannah interrupts, and I don’t miss Bri stepping
closer to her sister with a scowl on her face.
“Yeah, they own the farm behind the vineyard. Ma invited them over for
dinner last week.” Addison looks back at me and Connor, grinning once
again. “You boys seem to have Ma wrapped around your fingers.”
Connor responds, but I don’t hear their conversation as my attention is
focused on Bri.
It’s like night and day seeing her standing only a few feet away now
compared to three months ago. Uncertainty radiates off her in waves as she
chews her bottom lip and avoids making eye contact with me.
Not wanting to make her any more uncomfortable, I turn forward and
grab some fries. Lost in thought, I barely register the conversation
happening around me until Addison speaks up again.
“Just out for a girls’ night. Needed to show Sabrina that it is possible to
have a good night out in this town.”
 Jealousy hits me hard at the thought of Bri getting drinks and flirting
with someone else in this town. Logically, I know I have no right to feel
possessive over her. Even still, I can’t stand the thought of sitting by while
anyone else hits on her.
Reaching for my napkin, I wipe my face and hands off before taking my
wallet from my pocket. Pulling out more than enough cash to cover my
food and beer, I signal for the bartender to close out my tab.
I can feel AJ’s eyes burning into the side of my face but I refuse to look
his way just yet. I still haven’t told him or Connor about my connection to
Bri. Until I do, they won’t understand why I can’t be here and witness a
girls’ night out.
“I’m gonna call it a night,” I clap my brother on the shoulder. He opens
his mouth to protest but I nod towards AJ. “See you Monday for Rosie’s
check-up.”
He nods in response, but doesn’t say anything else. He raises an
eyebrow, silently questioning me, but I choose to ignore it. Connor will
most likely show up at my house tomorrow demanding answers to why I
left before finishing my dinner. But that’s a problem for future me.
I wave towards Tucker, receiving a small dip of his chin in response
before his attention returns to Bri. Clearing my throat, I awkwardly step
back. “Have a good night, ladies.”
Turning on my heel, I make a beeline for the door. The cool spring
breeze hits my face, providing a moment of respite from my racing heart
and thoughts. I navigate across the parking lot towards my truck, eager to
escape into the night.
As I make my way through the dimly lit parking lot, the pulsing beat of
loud music draws my attention back to the bar. A group blocks the door,
their laughter piercing through the quiet night. I quicken my pace and try to
focus on how I’m going to explain to my brother why I left so abruptly.
He’ll definitely give me a hard time for not mentioning her sooner.
“Noah,” Bri calls out.
I stumble at her voice. My breath lodges in my throat and I will my
heart to not beat out of my chest. Turning, I watch as she crosses the lot
towards me.
Unable to think of anything to say, I lean my hip against my truck,
fumbling with my key fob and wait for her to finish closing the distance.
She stops a few feet away, fidgeting with the hem of her top. “Hi.”
 “Hey,” I offer, clenching my keys in my hand and motioning back to the
bar. “Already needed a break from girls’ night?”
Bri glances over her shoulder, chewing her bottom lip before looking
back at me.
“No,” she pauses, her lip twitching as she fights back a smile. “Would I
rather be home in baggy sweats and a tub of ice cream? Hell yes. But a
night out with my sister is normally fun.”
I nod, unsure of what to respond with.
“We should talk,” she says after a moment, taking a step closer. “You
know, about our…vacation.”
Pushing off my truck to stand straight, I tuck my hands in my pockets
and focus on our conversation and not those thoughts of Bri.
“If you’re ready to.” I shrug.
I never expected to have this conversation in the parking lot of a bar.
But at least it’s happening now instead of never.
Her brows furrow and she sucks a deep breath.
“If I had known who you were, or anything about your relationship with
my parents, I never would have…” she trails off, staring down at her feet
while shaking her head.
I watch her struggle to find the right words, my chest tightening as I try
to understand where she’s coming from.
“Do you regret it?” The question slips out before I can even think about
it. It’s not something I thought I needed an answer to, but now that the
words are out there, I can’t take them back.
She snaps her head up, scowling at me.
“No,” she says, moving closer until we’re only inches apart. “While I
may feel a lot of things about our time together, regret is not one of them.”
I let out a sigh of relief and Bri sucks in a sharp breath, bringing my
attention back to her.
“What about you?” She whispers, her eyes darting between mine as she
searches for an answer.
With her so close to me, I can’t think straight.
Reaching out, I wrap a hand around her waist and tug her into me with a
hand on her lower back.
Bri gasps, falling into my chest, but not protesting as I use my other
hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and cup her face. Her body
molds perfectly against mine without hesitation.
 She grips my shirt in her fists, holding on to me but not saying a word.
Giving her time to push me away, I watch her closely until my lips
hover over hers.
“Nothing could ever make me regret the time we spent together,” I
whisper.
And then I do the one thing that has been on my mind every single day
for the past three months—I kiss her.
Bri moans and wraps her hands around the back of my neck, kissing me
back with just as much passion.
I keep her pressed against me and run my tongue along her bottom lip,
silently begging for her to open up. She does, rewarding me with the most
beautiful sound as my tongue slips inside.
Without breaking the kiss, I turn us around until her back is against the
door of my car.
For months, I’ve imagined what it would be like to hold Bri in my arms
again. Even if it was only for one more night, I had dreamed up countless
scenarios and what I would do to hear the beautiful sounds she makes.
But never once did I imagine it happening in a bar parking lot.
Pressing her against my truck, I deepen the kiss and let my hands roam.
If this is all there is, I want to imprint every perfect curve and dip into my
memory. One hand slides over her ribs, my thumb grazing the underside of
her breast.
Which is another thing memory didn’t do justice.
Bending slightly, I hook my other hand under her knee, lift it to my hip,
and grind against her.
“Noah,” Bri breaks away for air but makes no move to push me away.
Holding her firmly in place, I trail kisses along her jaw and down her
neck. She tilts her head to the side with a pretty moan.
“More,” she pants, pushing her hips against mine. “Noah, please.”
“How could I resist when you beg so beautifully?” I murmur.
Reaching down, I grip the back of her thighs and lift as she pulls me in
for another kiss.
Blindly, I make my way to the backseat of my truck, using one arm to
support her weight and fumbling for the door handle. Yanking it open, I step
onto the running board and gently toss her onto the bench seat in the back.
When I bought this truck last summer, I never paid much attention to the
size of the interior, only focusing on its towing capacity and bed size.
 But now, I thank whatever higher power may be watching for the
spaciousness of the backseat. Bri scoots back and props herself up on her
elbows, watching me through heavy-lidded eyes. Kneeling on the bench
seat between her legs, one leg half bent on the floor as I close the door
behind me.
Swallowing thickly, I hesitate.
“Say it,” I softly demand.
Although I know she hadn’t had a drink before I left, I need to hear her
say the words. I need to know that this is truly what she wants.
A nagging voice in the back of my mind warns me that this will only
make things more complicated, but it’s all too easy to tune it out when Bri
grabs my shirt and pulls me on top of her.
She maintains steady eye contact as she answers.
“Fuck me, Noah.”
“Because you asked so nicely,” I chuckle, before diving back into her
kiss.
She moans my name when I palm over her breast, tracing my thumb
over her hardened nipple through the fabric of her shirt. Bri gasps and lifts
her hips in response, seeking pleasure that I will gratefully give her.
While continuing to tease her breasts, my other hand slips inside the
waistband of her pants and underwear.
“Noah.”
As my fingers explore her, I can feel how soaked she already is. “Damn,
Sugar. Is all of this for me?” I whisper against her neck, nibbling at the
sensitive skin. My thumb finds her clit and teases it while I slowly slip a
finger inside her.
Bri gasps and nods, but when she doesn’t answer me, I withdraw my
finger and tap her clit as best I can with the restriction of her clothes.
“Answer me,” I demand.
“Yes,” Bri moans, arching her hips and demanding more.
Using my elbow to prop myself up on the seat, I watch her intently as I
apply pressure to her clit again before returning to her entrance. I enter her
slowly, only going in as far as my first knuckle.
Bri squirms beneath me, a deep blush spreading across her face and
down her neck.
“Yes, what?”
 Her eyes snap open, filled with an unbridled desire that I never want to
lose again.
“Yes, I’m wet for you, Noah.” She reaches between us and struggles to
remove her pants, pushing them as far down as she can before being
stopped by my legs. “Now please…fuck me. I need you.”
“With you begging so beautifully, how could I say no?”
“You definitely shouldn’t,” she replies simply, reaching for my belt and
quickly undoing it.
I plant my feet on the floor to give Bri room to take off her leggings
while I hastily remove my jeans and boxers. Just as one leg is free, Bri’s
hand wraps around my length.
“Fuck me,” I groan as she strokes me.
“I’m trying to do just that, but someone is taking their sweet time,” she
retorts with sass.
Gently, I grab her wrist and stop her from continuing.
“Fuck, I missed that mouth of yours.” Shaking my head, I kneel
between her legs.
She wraps her legs around me without hesitation, lifting her hips as she
nods.
I take hold of both her hands and pin them above her head at the edge of
the seat. She looks stunning, stretched out with her shirt bunched up around
her hips and her hair splayed in a glorious red mess.
Bri shifts her hips again, pushing my cock against her entrance. Gritting
my teeth, I reach between us and hold her hips in place.
“Noah,” Bri pleads as I finally give in and stop holding back. Moving
slowly, I slide into her, feeling my length work inside of her with each
shallow thrust until my pelvis rubs against her clit.
“Holy shit,” Bri pants, her pussy clutching onto me tightly. I resist the
urge to just slam into her and instead drop my head to her shoulder, giving
us both a moment to adjust.
Beneath me, Bri swivels her hips, causing me to groan and tighten my
grip on her waist.
“I’m trying to⁠—”
“Well, stop trying and just fucking me,” Bri demands, twisting her hips
again and gasping for more. “Please, stop overthinking and just move,
Noah.”
 “As you wish,” I whisper in her ear before releasing her wrists and
grabbing both of her hips firmly.
Looking down at her with a smirk, I tilt her hips up and try to hold back
a groan as she tightens around me again. Slowly, I pull out until just the tip
of my cock remains inside of her before slamming back in hard.
Her moans and pleas drive me onward as I lose myself in the pleasure
of fucking Bri.
Releasing one of her hips, I press my thumb against her clit.
“I need you to come, Bri,” I urge between breaths.
She tightens around me, nodding frantically. Her hands squeeze around
her breasts as she groans with pleasure.
I continue thrusting into her relentlessly, feeling my own release
building up.
“Come for me Sugar,” I demand on the next thrust before gently
slapping her clit.
Bri moans loudly and arches off the seat as she reaches climax. My own
orgasm follows suit as I call out her name along with my release.
As her legs slip from around my waist, I slowly ease out of her and sit
back against the door, trying to catch my breath.
We both remain silent as the faint background music from the bar and
our heavy breathing fill the air. Eventually, Bri sits up and begins to fix her
clothes, refusing to meet my gaze.
I sigh and pull my pants back on. Bri leans forward in the seat and drops
her head into her hands.
“That wasn’t supposed to happen,” she says dejectedly.
My heart sinks as I struggle to find the right words. We both consented,
but that doesn’t erase the guilt and uneasiness gnawing at me. Instead of
apologizing, I remind her of my earlier declaration.
“I don’t regret anything when it comes to you.”
Bri slowly lifts her tear-stained face from her palms, causing a wave of
panic to wash over me.
“Did I hurt you?” I scoot closer, scanning her body for any signs of
discomfort.
She shakes her head vehemently, tears streaming down her cheeks.
I cup her face in my hand, pressing my forehead against hers in an effort
to comfort her. “Then what’s wrong?” I ask gently.
 She straightens up suddenly, pushing away from me and reaching for
the door handle. “That wasn’t supposed to happen,” she repeats before
hopping out of the truck and rushing back to the bar.
My heart sinks even further as I watch her go, unsure of how to make
things right again.

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 SABRINA

“W hat the actual fuck is wrong with me?” I ask.

“Sabrina, nothing is⁠—”
I glare at him. “I swear on all that is holy, if you finish that
sentence, I will hit you.”
Tucker rolls his eyes, lifting his hands in mock surrender as he flops
onto my couch beside me.
After basically fleeing from Noah’s truck, I didn’t even go back inside. I
hightailed it to the car and shot Tucker a text asking him to bring Addison
home for me.
Which, of course, had my phone blowing up with angry messages from
my sister about bailing on her and being a party pooper. The only way to get
her off my back was to tell her that my stomach was upset. She assumed it
was because of the baby and I didn’t correct her.
The last text I got from her was that she was spending the night at
Hannah’s apartment in town and would be by Ma’s for breakfast before her
flight back to the city.
Then Tucker showed up an hour later to check on me. I had already
been crying, but the moment he saw my face and asked what happened, I
completely lost it.
“I have cried more in the past three months than I have over the past
thirty years.” I groan and readjust the warm, damp washcloth on my
forehead. “And now I have another headache from these damn tears.”
 “I’m assuming you’re just saying all this just to bitch and aren’t actually
looking for logic right now,” Tucker teases lightly.
“You would be correct.”
Tonight’s events replay in my head and a hysterical laugh escapes.
“What the hell is wrong with me?” I ask out loud again. “I only
followed after him to ask if we could talk in the next day or two and the
next minute I’m begging him to fu⁠—”
“Okay, okay, I get it,” Tucker cuts me off. “I’m here to listen and
support, but you’re basically a sister to me. I don’t need to hear about you
doing that with anyone.”
I peek at him over the corner of the washcloth.
“You do know I’m pregnant, right? Do I have to explain how babies are
made?”
Tucker gives me a stern look.
“Please, no.” He raises his eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Unless
you want details on my preferences⁠—”
“Nope, that’s okay.” I hold up my hand. “Point taken. No specifics.”
“That’s all I ask.” He nods, setting a glass of water in front of me. I toss
the cloth onto the coffee table beside it.
“I ran, Tuck. I told him that shouldn’t have happened and then I tucked
tail and ran like some coward.” Tears build up again as I stare blankly
across the room. “I was supposed to talk, to be an adult and have a
conversation without crying or being emotional. Instead, I was a shitty
person.”
“You’re not-”
“I just had sex with the father of my child, who doesn’t even know he’s
the father, then I ran away. I feel like a terrible person.”
I stand and begin pacing around the room. “Everything was so simple
when we were on vacation. I could say or do anything without worrying
about it. I was confident, freely expressing my thoughts and needs. Now, I
can’t even think straight! How am I supposed to tell him about the baby
when every time I see him, my hormones go wild?”
My chest tightens and I struggle to breathe.
Suddenly, Tucker is in front of me, holding both shoulders tightly.
“Breathe,” he says, taking a slow deep breath that I copy. “Good, now
exhale.”
 He continues guiding me through breathing steadily until my heart rate
slows down. He leads me back to the couch and holds me close when we sit
down.
“Okay first and foremost, I need you to stop saying you’re being
emotional like it’s a bad thing. You’re experiencing emotions, and strong
ones at that. There’s nothing wrong with feeling whatever you do.”
He rubs my arm soothingly as he speaks.
“And secondly, you’re not a terrible person. Should you have slept with
Noah without telling him about the baby? Probably not. But both of you
gave consent and got caught up in your attraction to each other. If you think
it was a mistake, apologize when you explain everything to him. Only he
can tell you if it was right or wrong.” He pauses, dropping his head to rest
on top of mine. “But that doesn’t make you a terrible person.”
“Then why do I feel so…awful?” I grumble.
“The fact that you feel this way only further solidifies my point. Shitty
people don’t care how their actions affect others, only how their actions
benefit them. You feel this way because you know there is a small chance
that your choice is going to upset Noah and that was never your intention.
Everything from the holidays and your history with him aside, you don’t
want to hurt him because you care about him.” Tucker squeezes me before
continuing.
“You care, Sabrina. About your family and the vineyard. About this
baby, about Noah. You’re so caught up in thinking about how he’s going to
react, how you can make this easier for him or make all of this affect as few
people as possible that you’re not seeing the most important part.”
“And what’s that?” I whisper, wiping the tears from my eyes.
“You’re the one pregnant, Sabrina.”
“Um, pretty sure I see that part.”
Tucker lightly pinches my arm.
“It takes two people to create a baby. Yet you’re doing all the hard work
—growing a human, carrying it, then delivering it. You care so much for
this baby that you’re trying to figure all this out with Noah before it’s born.
Yes, it’s messy. Yes, you’re probably going to cry a lot more. But you’re
handling it now so that whatever happens between the two of you, doesn’t
impact the baby.”
“I just want the baby to be happy,” I whisper, gently placing a hand on
my stomach.
 “And baby Jones is going to be happy as long as you are.”
His statement makes me pause, so Tucker takes that as a sign to
continue.
“You keep putting off telling Noah because you’re scared he’s going to
be upset. But what if he’s not? What if telling him is what helps make you
happy?”
“When did you become so wise?” I tease, avoiding answering him and
admitting just how on the nose he is.
Tucker laughs, finally letting me go and standing up.
“I’ve always been wise; you’ve just never needed me to be that way for
you.”
Extending my foot, I tap his calf.
“I’ve always needed you Tuck. You’re my best friend.”
He smiles, eyes twinkling as he cleans up my mess of tissues.
“Pretty sure I’m your only friend, Sassy.”
I reach for the washcloth, chucking it at him as he skips away. Sighing, I
lay back on the couch, thinking over everything that happened and
everything Tucker said.
By the time Tuck leaves, reminding me to lock up behind him, I’ve
decided that no matter how many emotions I feel, I’ll tell Noah about the
baby… once the weekend is over.

OceanofPDF.com
 NOAH

“G ood news, Rosie’s not sick,” AJ says as he barges into my office and
flops onto the couch.
“What’s going on with her then?” I ask, getting up from my
desk.
He fills out paperwork for the visit in silence. After almost a decade of
working as our farm’s vet, I know that AJ doing paperwork while we talk
means Rosie is fine. I turn towards the filing cabinets and wait for him to
finish writing.
“No issues with her health,” he finally says as I tug open the drawer.
“She’s pregnant.”
His words catch me off guard, and I let go of the drawer, wincing as it
hits me in the gut. “What?” I choke out, rubbing my stomach where it hit.
“I took some blood samples back to the lab for confirmation, and I left
Mack with a test to try and get a urine sample from her,” he pauses, looking
up at me and raising an eyebrow. “But she wasn’t having any of it. That
mare only trusts certain people.”
I lean against my desk and wave his concerns away.
“She just has high standards when it comes to who she likes. Poor Mack
didn’t make the cut.”
“Well, looks like you’ll have to find other work for him because based
on the physical exam, Rosie is definitely pregnant.”
AJ stands up and hands me the completed paperwork.
“When was the last time you had a foal on the farm?”
 “Damn,” I run a hand through my hair and let out a heavy sigh. “I can’t
even remember… maybe when Rosie was born?”
“That’s what I thought. I’ll get the blood work done and then we can
discuss what needs to be done for her pregnancy and delivery plan.”
“Thanks,” I mutter.
He grunts in response before gathering up his things. Meanwhile, my
mind is racing with thoughts like a pinball machine.
On the day Rosie was born, my dad and AJ were there with me. AJ had
tried to walk me through everything I could to to help the mare and foal, my
attention was fixated on the horse giving birth. The next thing I knew, it was
over and Rosie joined the farm.
Without even realizing it, I start mentally planning out the next year and
all the tasks that need to be done. I’d have to make sure all of our farm
hands were knowledgeable about horse pregnancies and births, including
myself.
“Is everything alright?” AJ’s voice interrupts my thoughts.
I cross my arms and force a smile.
“Yeah, I just wasn’t expecting Rosie⁠—”
“Not about her,” he cuts me off, scratching at his neck before
continuing. “I’m not worried about that.”
“Okay…then…” I trail off, trying to hold back a grin.
I know exactly what he’s asking about. Connor had already asked me
the same thing on Saturday when he showed up unexpectedly. But AJ never
asks about feelings. It’s always been one of those unspoken agreements
between us—we’ll just hang out and enjoy each other’s company without
prying into our personal lives.
But watching him squirm when trying to ask about my life is too much
fun.
Barely visible under his thick beard, his cheeks turn a faint shade of
pink as he avoids looking directly at me.
“You left the bar without finishing your beer,” he finally says, breaking
the silence.
Letting out a sigh, I stare at the wall above the couch and think back to
Friday night.
“Someone came in that I have…history with,” I say hesitantly, trying to
find the right words to explain.
AJ turns towards me, curiosity shining in his usually guarded eyes.
 “You mean the loud one who couldn’t take no for an answer?” He asks,
referring to the friend from the Jones’s group.
“No, not her.”
AJ faces me fully now, his arms crossed as he leans against the
doorway, waiting for me to continue. I know he’s not one to pry, but it’s
hard not to mention Bri when she was such a big part of why I left. But
bringing her up will only lead to more questions, and I don’t have all the
answers.
Shoving my hands in the pockets of my jeans, I take a step towards him
and meet his gaze with a slight nod. He immediately follows me out of the
office, dropping the subject without pushing further.
As we approach his car, I finally break the silence.
“It’s Bri,” I say, pausing as I realize no one else calls her by that name. I
lean against the trunk of his car and continue, “Sabrina Jones. She’s Ma and
Pa’s oldest.”
Confusion wrinkles AJ’s face.
“You have a ‘history’ with someone who just moved here a week ago?”
“We actually met over the holidays.”
“Oh.” AJ mumbles, scratching his jaw and fiddling with his beard.
I shrug, kicking a small stone with my foot. “We haven’t had a chance
to talk about anything, and I figured it would be easier if I left.”
He nods, pulling out his keys and opening the driver’s side door.
“It seems like she had the same idea since she left right after you.”
With that, he hops into his car and drives off, leaving me to stew on that
fact.
Damn.
A pit forms in my stomach at the thought of Bri leaving because of me
or what happened in my truck. While I don’t regret having sex with her
again, does she? Was giving her space this past weekend the wrong thing to
do?
Making my way back to the barn, I stop as I pass the fence supplies.
Based on the materials missing, it looks like Mack is trying to beat my
estimate of how long the repairs should take.
Deciding to check in on the progress, I grab my cap and the keys to my
truck from my office. My impromptu check-in is purely for seeing how
Mack is handling being in charge of a project and has nothing to do with the
repairs being right behind Bri’s cabin.
S omething ’ s not right . I’m not even halfway to where the repairs are
being done and already know it.
Dirt paths crisscross the property, winding their way through the fields
and leading to various barns and even Connor’s renovation project hidden
among the trees. Normally, these back areas near the woods stay untouched
for a month or two during the winter.
Coming across a dirt trail so clean it could pass for a catwalk tells me
one of two things: either it’s too early in the season for planting, or Mother
Nature just gave this place a good scrubbing. And since we haven’t had rain
in ages, seeing no tire marks means this spot’s been off-limits to wheels
recently.
Parking my truck along the fence, I force myself to focus on the
problem at hand and not the fact that Bri’s cabin is less than a hundred feet
away.
“What the hell?” I mutter, my eyes wide as I stare at the same old fence.
It hasn’t been fixed at all. Confused, I pull out my phone and quickly locate
Mack’s contact information.
As the phone rings, I walk alongside the broken section of fence and
stop in the middle where it has completely collapsed. The makeshift repair
that was put up during the holidays is now lying useless on the ground,
providing no barrier for anyone entering or exiting the property.
No wonder Rosie always found her way to the cabin.
Biting back a laugh, I realize that our sneaky horse had probably figured
out a way to escape without even trying. She was just taking advantage of
the path.
When the call goes to voicemail, I leave a brief message requesting
Mack to call me back ASAP before hanging up. Taking a deep breath, I try
to stay calm, but it becomes increasingly difficult as I continue to stare at
the broken fence. If he hasn’t started working on it yet, where did all the
materials go? This is why I prefer doing things myself instead of relying on
others.
 Cursing under my breath, I turn around sharply and head towards my
truck, wanting to leave this frustration behind. But then something catches
my eye in my peripheral vision.
Bri appears from the back door of her cabin, pushing a box out onto the
porch and then disappearing back inside for. Through the open door, I see
her start pushing another one.
Without thinking twice, I make my way over to her.
It’s Monday and I had convinced myself that she wouldn’t be here,
trying to keep my anticipation in check and focus on work. But here she is.
She’s just made it to the doorway, pausing to stand straight and catch
her breath, when she sees me approaching.
“Noah.” Bri says with surprise in her voice.
I offer her a small smile and gesture towards the box in front of her.
“Looks like you could use some help.”
Bri bites her bottom lip, staring down at the box in front of her before
glancing back into the cabin. I spot two more identical boxes stacked by the
kitchen island.
While she contemplates my offer of help, I can’t help but admire her:
dressed comfortably in black leggings that stop mid-calf and an off-the-
shoulder oversized sweater. Her hair is thrown up in a messy bun with loose
waves framing her face.
She looks effortlessly beautiful.
Bri turns back to me, still nibbling on her bottom lip, making me shift
on my feet and remind myself that I’m only here to lend a hand and then
leave.
“If you’re not too busy…” She trails off, and I take a step closer before
she can change her mind.
“Where do you want them?” I ask, lifting the box with a grunt. “Shit,
what are these? Bricks?”
“Close enough,” she laughs. “It’s last year’s payroll and income for the
winery.”
“And they didn’t have a digital version?” I ask, raising a brow toward
the box.
“Thank you!” Bri exclaims, throwing her hands in the air with a
dramatic sigh. “That’s exactly what I asked. But that would require them to
actually have any sort of online system.”
She presses her fingers to her temples.
 “So you’re…” I pause, not wanting to intrude but very curious about
what she’s doing.
“For starters, uploading all of this into an easily accessible database.
Then searching for a decent payroll company so we can get that all brought
up to proper methods of employment.”
I nod, fixing my hold on the box. Bri notices and points to my right.
“You can set it next to that one, in front of the swing.”
I carry it over and head inside to grab the next one. Bri follows me in,
snatching up her laptop and a binder from the island to bring with her to the
porch.
Neither of us speak as I head back inside for the final box. There are a
million different things I want to say to her. I’m torn between asking why
she never called, asking why she ran from me the other night, and simply
asking how she’s doing.
By the time I’m stepping out the door with the final box, I still haven’t
figured out what I want to say.
Sighing, I move to set the box next to the others when Bri breaks the
silence.
“I’m pregnant.”
Her words catch me so off guard that I don’t even notice the box
slipping from my hands and onto my foot.

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 SABRINA

S hit. I hadn’t meant to say that out loud. My plan was to make some
small talk or maybe discuss why he abruptly left during Christmas.
But when I opened my mouth, the words just tumbled out.
The box Noah was holding falls from his hands and onto his foot, its
contents scattering around him. Yet he doesn’t even react.
“Oh my gosh. Are you okay?” I rush over to check on him.
It wasn’t that much of an exaggeration when he compared the boxes to
bricks, it’s why I gave up on carrying them and chose to push them out
here.
Wanting to be away from the bustle of the winery, but also feeling
restless inside, working on the porch was the best idea I had today. Until
Noah showed up and I blurted out my secret.
I crouch in front of him, gathering the papers to clear his path. His shoe
catches my eye when I move the box aside and I finally breathe a sigh of
relief.
“Thank goodness for your work boots,” I say, replacing the papers
inside. I close the box, glancing up to see Noah’s reaction.
His eyes are following me while his jaw hangs open slightly, making it
tough to gauge his thoughts.
Letting out another sigh, I push the box aside and rise. “I’m sorry…that
wasn’t how I meant to tell you.” My hand instinctively goes to my stomach
as I whisper, trying to break the tense silence. “I know that it’s a huge
revelation and requires time to process…”
 Noah finally closes his mouth, and his gaze shifts from my face to my
stomach.
“You’re pregnant?” He utters in disbelief.
Biting my lip nervously, I nod in affirmation.
“It’s only been three day⁠—”
“Months,” I correct him gently.
“Oh.”
“Yeah…”
He runs a hand through his hair, drawing my attention to the way his
biceps flex and strain against his short sleeves with the movement. My
breath catches at the sight of his muscles, knowing just how it felt to be
held up by those arms as he- nope.
Clearing my throat, I try to squash down my attraction and blame it on
these damn pregnancy hormones.
I try hard not to think about our intimate moments, considering they’re
the reason we’re here now. But the last time he kissed me, everything else
blurred away except for the overwhelming pleasure I knew he could deliver.
“You’re pregnant.” Noah states.
“Yes.”
“And it’s…mine?”
“Yeah, it’s yours.” I whisper, not taking any offense to his question
considering we both knew next to nothing about each other when we first
slept together. Even now, we still only know the bare minimum.
“You’re the only person I’ve been with in the past year.” Keeping my
hands busy, I rub my stomach and ramble on. “But I one hundred percent
get it if you want a paterni⁠—”
“You’re having my baby?” He cuts me off and I nod.
“Yes, I am. But I don’t expect anything⁠—”
My words get lodged in my throat as Noah drops to his knees in front of
me and looks up with pleading eyes.
“Can I…” He holds his hand up, watching me closely and all I can do is
nod.
Gently, he places his palm beside mine. A smile stretches across his face
as he leans in to whisper something that I can’t hear before he grins up at
me.
There’s no stopping the tears that pool in my eyes at the sight of him.
“You’re not upset?” I ask quietly.
 Noah drops his attention back to my stomach, his smile falling slightly
as he answers.
“No. I’m feeling a lot of things right now, but upset because you’re
pregnant with my child is not one of them.”
Looking up at the ceiling, I blink quickly to help not cry.
“But you’re upset about something?”
He doesn’t answer immediately, instead he watches as his thumb rubs
back and forth over my lower stomach for a few seconds. With a heavy
sigh, he shakes his head and pushes to his feet, but keeps his hand on my
stomach.
“Honestly, I think upset isn’t the right word. I don’t even know…” He
pauses, tilting his head and bringing his free hand up to cup my cheek. “You
running from me last week and the other night makes sense now.”
I close my eyes and groan.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I was just too overwhelmed to think
clearly. Regardless, I shouldn’t have let things go that far in your truck
when you didn’t know. I’m sorry.”
His thumb catches one of the tears that break free.
“Bri,” he whispers my nickname, making my breath catch as I slowly
peel my eyes back open to look up at him.
The gentle smile on his face calms an ache in my chest. When he finally
moves his hand away from my stomach, it’s only to wrap around my waist
and to the small of my back. Noah holds me against him, breathing steadily
as I hold my stomach between us and stare up at him.
“I don’t regret it. Any of it.” He states easily.
A sob finally escapes, tears falling freely and I drop my forehead to his
chest. I don’t even know why I’m crying at this point—only that an
onslaught of emotions washes over me, making it impossible to decipher
what I’m actually feeling.
It’s as if there’s a switch inside me that just flips to waterworks as a
solution to everything.
Noah doesn’t flinch away, though. He simply guides us over to the
swing, lifting me to sit across his lap and cradles me to his chest. While I try
to compose myself, he gently rocks us in the swing, whispering
reassurances that we’ll figure everything out and that it will all be okay.

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 NOAH

“D amn, I didn’t know it was possible for you to set foot off the farm
on a weekday,” Connor exclaims from his spot at the bar next to
AJ.
AJ glances over his shoulder and raises a pointed brow as I approach
and take a seat next to my brother without saying a word.
The bar is relatively empty, aside from an older couple in a booth on the
other side of the dance floor chatting with the bartender.
I’m not sure if I came here for food or a drink.
After Bri finally stopped crying, she mentioned she had another
headache. I suggested she rest, but she put up some resistance, claiming we
needed to work through things.
But my main concern was her and the baby.
It took me ten minutes of reassuring her and a little light threatening to
carry her to bed before she finally listened and went to lie down.
Admittedly, I was relieved to have some time alone to sort through my
thoughts. Yet when I arrived back at my house, I found myself sitting in the
car, staring at the front door. For once, I didn’t want to go inside.
I didn’t want to be alone.
Which led me here, knowing that Connor and AJ would be here for their
usual Monday early bird specials.
“Everything okay?” My brother asks, breaking me out of my trance. I
absentmindedly nod in response.
 “Still reeling from Rosie’s news?” AJ turns fully towards me, his
furrowed brows betraying his hidden frown beneath his full beard.
Connor’s head whips between us. “What’s going on with her?”
“She’s pregnant,” AJ and I answer at the same time. Shaking my head, I
don’t look at them as I clarify my answer.
“Sabrina’s pregnant.” I say, feeling strange using her full name as my
heart races in my chest.
AJ’s eyebrows shoot up in excitement before he quickly composes
himself and nods. Connor nearly falls off his stool as he turns to me.
“Who the hell told you that?” My brother practically shouts, staring at
me in disbelief.
“She did,” I answer calmly.
“Well, damn. Guess we know why she moved back home.” He
chuckles, grabbing his beer. “Look at you, Noah. Coming into town to
gossip with your brother.”
I furrow my brows, realizing he’s right about one thing—she moved
home because she’s pregnant. She probably needed help but didn’t want to
ask me. I make a mental note to discuss that with Bri later.
“It’s not gossip,” I drum my fingers on the bar top, watching Connor
take a sip of beer from the corner of my eye. “The baby is mine.”
Connor chokes, beer spraying from his mouth as he tries to catch his
breath while AJ pats his back to help him breathe again.
I probably should have waited until he wasn’t drinking to drop that
bomb.
“I mean this politely,” Connor starts, coughing once before continuing.
“Did you fall off a horse and hit your head?”
I shoot him a glare in response.
“Noah, you only met the woman a week ago. I know we love Ma and Pa
Jones, but you can’t just find out someone’s pregnant and claim the baby as
yours. Maybe ask her on a date or two first, then⁠—”
“Actually,” I interrupt his tirade. “We met three months ago.”
Connor’s jaw drops open. “What? How? Where?”
AJ lets out a laugh, shaking his head at my brother’s rapid-fire questions
but doesn’t say anything.
I open my mouth to explain how I spent my time on the vacation he
forced me on when a thought hits me.
“Con, how did you and Dad pick the resort for me over Christmas?”
 My brother looks at me as if I’ve grown a second head.
“What does that have to do with Sabrina?”
I shrug. “Just answer the question.”
“Um, I’m not exactly sure. Like I told you before, Dad planned it all. I
just entered the credit card information.” He taps his glass and continues.
“The day he asked me to book it, I was running behind after a client showed
up late, so Ma Jones offered to keep him company until I arrived. By the
time I got there, Dad already had a piece of paper with all the resort
packages, room bookings, and dates and asked me to book it for you.”
I blink once, processing all of that with the new information about Bri,
then burst out laughing.
Connor and AJ jump, staring at me as if I’m going crazy.
“They set it up,” I say, trying to explain between bouts of laughter.
My brother leans back, turning his head toward AJ but keeping his
concerned gaze on me. “I think he really did fall off a horse.”
Taking a deep breath, I compose myself enough to share my realization.
“I met Bri—” My teeth grind as I correct myself. “Sabrina—three
months ago at the resort that Dad and you so wonderfully shipped me off
to.”
“We didn’t ship you—” Connor starts but catches himself. His eyes
widen as he reaches up to tap AJ’s shoulder. “Holy shit. Dad sent you there
because he knew Ma’s daughter was gonna be around and alone.”
“That’s right, genius,” AJ grumbles, pushing away Connor’s hand.
“Dude. How could you not tell me you knew the Jones’s daughter?”
“I didn’t know she was their daughter until we saw her last week.”
Connor snorts. “What’d ya do, hook up for a few days without telling
each other your full names or talking about where you’re from or any of
that basic stuff?”
I scratch my jaw and shrug my shoulder.
“I mean, pretty much.”
Connor drops his head back with a groan and I let out a light chuckle
before explaining those few days to him, with as few details about my sex
life as possible.
“We hit it off pretty quickly. We had all the same excursions booked,” I
shoot a half-assed glare towards my brother before continuing. “We hung
out in all our free time after that first day. It was easy, light, and fun—
nothing deep or personal.”
 Sighing, I run a hand through my hair and swallow the lump in my
throat.
“But when you called in the middle of the night about Dad, I was torn. I
needed to be home, needed to be with you, but I didn’t want to leave her. So
I left my number. She never called and then she showed up here last week
and I found out she was pregnant today. So, yeah.” I finish with a shrug.
“Damn,” my brother says. “And here I was thinking you were just holed
up in your room staring at a wall.”
“You told me to have fun,” I remind him.
“Yeah, fun,” Connor says with a baffled expression. “See, I was
picturing ‘fun’ as you seeing some dolphins or going dancing—not getting a
stranger pregnant.”
“I did see some dolphins,” I admit, thinking of the sunrise on the net
bed with Bri.
“Well, it’s great that you at least saw some dolphins!” Connor chuckles,
shaking his head. I bite back a smile and refrain from mentioning that I only
caught a glimpse of a fin before getting distracted by making Bri moan for
me.
The three of us fall into a comfortable silence for a moment, before I
finally voice the thought that has been plaguing me since Bri told me.
“I can’t help feeling hurt that she didn’t tell me when she saw me last
week.”
“It’s understandable, though, right?” AJ interjects, pushing his empty
glass away and turning to face me. “She just moved here and was already
trying to figure things out. Add in an unexpected visit from the father of her
child…that’s a lot for anyone to handle, let alone someone who is pregnant
and dealing with all those hormones. She’s handling it better than most
people would.”
“I know, but it still sucks that she chose to shut me out for a whole
week. I could have been there to support her and help her figure things out.”
I say dejectedly.
“From what we’ve heard about Sabrina, I don’t think she wasn’t
intentionally trying to hurt you,” Connor offers, nudging me with his
shoulder.
“Sometimes silence and distance are necessary for someone to process
their thoughts and feelings. It’s not always a personal attack,” AJ says
softly. “In today’s world, people assume that if you don’t respond within
five minutes, something must be wrong. You can’t always take silence as a
response and build your own narrative around words that were never said.”
AJ pauses, fidgeting with his glass before continuing. “But sometimes
taking time to process and think before responding is the best thing for
everyone involved. Especially in a situation like this where emotions are
high, and everything is changing. Can you really fault her for needing time
to deal with it all?”
His words hit home, offering a different perspective on the situation.
They also reveal some of AJ’s own inner turmoil since losing his family—
he too has been holding everyone at arm’s length.
Despite AJ’s distant demeanor, Connor and I refused to give up on him.
We gave him space, but never took his avoidance personally. Instead, we
continued to show up for him, whether it was sitting next to him at the bar
or silently joining him on his runs. And now, as Bri needs space from me, I
will do the same for her.
“Wow, I didn’t know you had that many words in your vocabulary,”
Connor snickers under his breath. I swat his arm and shoot daggers at the
back of his head. AJ lets out a chuckle and shrugs, before looking back at
me.
“You have every right to feel hurt and upset, but don’t jump to
conclusions based on assumptions from things she hasn’t said.”
Connor nods gravely. “Things may not have worked out three months
ago, but she’s here now and willing to let you in.” Suddenly, his head snaps
towards AJ with an ear-to-ear grin plastered on his face. “We’re gonna be
uncles!”
Even behind his thick beard, AJ can’t hide the smile spreading across
his face.
My chest tightens with emotion as I watch my brother and best friend
start discussing plans for baby-proofing the farm.
From the moment Bri told me she was pregnant, I knew I was happy
about it. But now, as I see the joy and laughter return to AJ’s eyes after
years of darkness, I realize it goes much deeper than happiness. It’s a sense
of hope and new beginnings that wouldn’t be possible without Bri and this
baby.
A genuine smile takes over my face as I start envisioning all the
possibilities while celebrating this news with my brother and AJ.
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 SABRINA

I t always baffles me when an adult claims to love naps. The idea of

being able to lay down, sleep for a few hours, and not have their
entire day thrown off seems impossible.
When I mentioned my headache to Noah, he insisted that I rest. I tried
to convince him that I was fine to talk, but he pointed out that the strain on
my body affected more than just me. If he hadn’t been so attentive and
caring before leaving, I would have thought he was using my headache as
an excuse to go. However, he stayed close by.
He kept finding reasons to extend his time with me, getting me water
and a warm washcloth or bringing the boxes and my laptop back inside. He
stayed until all that was left was watching me rest on the couch.
Although napping may not be my preferred activity, the thought of lying
down and letting the pounding in my head subside sounded like heaven. But
when I opened my eyes, the sun was setting.
The pain had dissipated, but after eating and showering for the evening,
I knew it would be impossible for me to fall asleep anytime soon. So
instead, I started doing the work that I had intended to do before Noah
stopped by.
I didn’t close my laptop until is was some time after one in the morning.
Needless to say, waking up for work at the winery this morning was a
struggle. And not being able to drink a full pot of coffee didn’t help either.
Most days, the tasks I’m doing to help fix our business can be done at
any time or place. But unfortunately, today is not one of those days.
 After spending the morning on the phone with our new payroll company
and then conducting a phone interview for a potential tasting room
manager, I feel completely drained.
Finishing up my notes from the interview, I look over my schedule for
the day. My lunch slot is booked with a meeting with my parents to catch
them up, followed by a phone call with an investor. Only after a walk-
through with Tucker will my day be over.
“Well, I’m glad someone is actually finding use for this room.”
Glancing up from my laptop, I smile at the sight of my parents standing
in the doorway. “I don’t understand why you designed a building with
offices if you only planned to use it for storage,” I say.
“I did use it,” Pa huffs, stepping into the room and setting a storage
container on the table. “Just haven’t had much reason to be in here lately. I
prefer to be hands-on rather than shut away.”
“Come take a break and eat,” Ma demands, following after him with
another container and some paper plates.
Pushing away from my desk, I grab my water bottle and notebook
before joining them.
“I’m happy to eat, but this isn’t a break. I told you guys we should have
lunch to discuss things, not just for fun.”
Ma waves a dismissive hand in my direction while assembling a plate of
what looks and smells like chicken and dumplings.
“You’ve been working since you got here, so take a little break to focus
on feeding my grandbaby.”
I roll my eyes, still feeling guilty about the unplanned nap I took
yesterday but sit beside my dad.
“How about we compromise? I’ll sit, eat, and chit-chat for twenty
minutes before we switch gears and talk about work until my phone call at
one thirty.”
Pa smiles, his brown eyes twinkling as he runs a hand over his white
beard to cover his grin while glancing at my mom.
“You sound just like your father,” Ma laughs, shaking her head and
placing a plate in front of me.
I grin, picking up my fork and winking at my dad.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
M a rambles on , taking bites of food in between updates and not wasting a
single moment of her twenty minutes.
It’s a struggle to steer the conversation back to work.
“Any questions?” I ask, wrapping up the updates.
“Has Quinn Baxter been vetted?” Pa asks, studying her application file.
“Yes, I had a phone interview with her this morning. Based on that
alone, I would have hired her. But she’ll be here next week for an in-person
interview with you both.”
Ma looks disappointed, clearing the table as she talks. “She’s not from
around here?”
“No, but she’s willing to relocate at her own expense.”
Pa nods and passes the file back to me.
Glancing at the clock, I stand up with a sigh. “I have a call with
Mr. Henderson in ten minutes, but I can walk you out.”
They pack up their things while Ma goes back to gossiping about her
book club.
“What book are you reading?” I ask as we head down the hallway
towards the tasting room.
“It’s by a newer author, Lilly Mathews! It’s her second book and was
recommended in Whitney West’s last newsletter!” Ma gushes.
Having grown up with her devouring romance novels, I knew she would
love Whitney West when I discovered her a few years ago.
I put my arm around Ma’s shoulders as we reach the tasting room. “I
didn’t know Lilly released another one. I’ll have to borrow it from you at
some point. Not that I’ve even had a second to finish the book I’ve been
reading since Christmas,” I say with a gasp, stopping next to a display of
bottles and turning Ma towards me. “Guess who else was at the resort
where Noah and I were over Christmas break? Lilly Mathews and her
fiancé!”
Ma’s eyes widen in surprise and she playfully swats my arm. “And
you’re just now telling me this?”
 I laugh and dodge her next playful smack. “Well, technically Noah was
the one who talked with⁠—”
“Wait, Noah?” Pa suddenly appears next to us.
Crap.
Before I can gather the courage to tell my parents, Noah speaks up from
behind me.
“Yes?” he asks.
Taking a deep breath, I resist the urge to turn around and face him while
focusing on my parents instead. My dad stands with his arms crossed and a
stern expression as he looks over my shoulder. My mom appears more
elated than anything else, so I direct my attention towards her.
“Um, so funny thing,” I begin nervously, gesturing over my shoulder in
Noah’s direction. “We actually met during the holidays at the same resort.
We didn’t know each other or that he was so close to you guys at the time.
But we ended up having a good time together and…he’s also the father of
your grandbaby.” I rush through the last part.
My mom’s face lights up with joy while I can’t bring myself to face my
dad yet. Instead, I finally turn to Noah.
“Hey,” I say awkwardly, feeling my cheeks heating up even more upon
seeing him. Even in a basic outfit of jeans, a worn-down flannel shirt, and a
backwards baseball cap, he still manages to look sexy.
“Hey there, Sugar,” he replies with a gentle smile before glancing over
my shoulder. “It’s great to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Jones.”
My dad remains silent but my mom wastes no time in responding
warmly. She practically throws herself at Noah and hugs him tightly.
“Oh nonsense, no need for formalities anymore. You’re basically family
now,” she exclaims happily.
At this point, I can’t tell whose cheeks are redder—mine or Noah’s.
“Okay,” I interject hastily, clearing my throat. “How about we save the
family talk for another time, maybe not in the middle of the winery?”
“Of course, dear. We’ll let you two chat. Come on, honey,” my mom
says, grabbing my dad’s arm and practically dragging him past Noah and I.
As they approach the door, my father pauses and looks back at me with
concern in his eyes. Before I can say anything, Ma pulls him away. Trying
to shake off the feeling, I tuck my hair behind my ear and give Noah a small
smile.
“Sorry,” I offer, not entirely sure why.
 “No need to apologize,” Noah says simply. He stares at me for a
moment before continuing, “How are you feeling today?”
Shifting on my feet, I respond truthfully. “Exhausted. But no headaches
or nausea so far, which is a win.”
Noah frowns at my answer. “How much more work do you have
today?”
“I have one more call and a walk through with Tuck after,” I shrug. He
nods, but the crease between his brows remains.
“I won’t keep you. I just wanted to invite you over for dinner on Friday
so we can talk about…everything.” He motions towards my stomach.
“I can do that,” I smile at him. My heart races—whether from nerves or
excitement, I’m not sure. “What time?”
“Is six o’clock, okay?”
“Sounds perfect.”
Finally, Noah smiles too. He steps closer and leans down to place a kiss
on my cheek before backing away quickly.
“I’ll see you Friday then.”
I nod, blushing like crazy as I head back to my office. Just as I sit down,
my phone rings.
Looks like I’ll have to save overthinking that interaction for later.
Taking in a deep breath, I smirk and answer the phone.
“Sabrina Jones speaking.”
“What a professional greeting,” chuckles the man on the other end.
“And here I thought we were friends.”
Smiling to myself, I lean back in my chair.
“How are you doing, Mr. Henderson?”
“A dagger through my heart, Sabrina,” he jokes. “How many times do I
have to ask you to call me Leo? Mr. Henderson makes me sound like my
father.”
“Now you’re just setting me up for a ‘daddy’ joke,” I tease.
Leo’s laughter echoes through the phone.
“Perfect, I’ll let Paul know to keep an eye on you around all the old
men.”
A pit forms in my stomach at the mention of my ex-fiancé.
“Actually,” I pause, pinching the bridge of my nose as I force myself to
say the words. “Paul and I aren’t together anymore.”
After a brief pause, Leo speaks up again.
 “So, am I supposed to congratulate you, console you, or just move on
awkwardly?”
I let out a tired laugh. “Well, considering I’m the one who called off the
wedding, went on the honeymoon alone, got pregnant and moved back
home to work with my parents… I think congratulations would be
appropriate. Or we could just move on to the reason I set up this call.”
Leo lets out a hesitant chuckle. “Okay then. Much to my girlfriend’s
need for gossip details, I’m going to say congratulations but also
awkwardly move on to asking; what can I do for you?”
I open my notebook and dive into telling him about my parents’ winery
and how his investment could benefit us both.
“Send me those numbers you mentioned and your location information.
I’ll have my assistant schedule a time for me to come check things out in
person before we sign any contracts. Everything sounds good so far.”
“Great. And while you’re here, why not make it a romantic weekend for
you and your girlfriend? Book a suite at the Honeywell Inn & Spa. We can
do some business during the day while she enjoys a massage, and then you
can have a romantic weekend with her.”
Leo hums in agreement. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea.”
We say our goodbyes and I hang up the phone, taking a moment to
catch my breath after the chaotic events of the day. Just as I’m saving a
reminder in my calendar to have dinner with Noah, my phone rings again
and my heart sinks.
Of course it’s Paul calling. Despite feeling guilty for ignoring him, I
know that talking to him right now is not something I have the energy for.
Plus, there’s nothing left for us to say to each other at this point.
I quickly shove my phone into my purse and head out to meet Tucker.

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 NOAH

“D id you ask her to dinner?” my brother asks impatiently before I can

even sit down in my truck.
“Should have just left you at the farm,” I mutter while buckling
my seatbelt.
Ignoring my comment, Connor twists around in his seat to face me as I
back out of the parking spot.
“So, was she there?”
“Yes,” I answer with a grimace. Bri and her parents hadn’t noticed me at
first as they walked towards the tasting room. Hearing her mention my
name with such happiness and ease stirs memories of that day—the way she
glowed from a day in the sun, wearing that beautiful floral dress. For a
moment, I felt a surge of pride as she said my name.
That is, until it became clear that her parents didn’t know about us yet.
“I walked in just as she accidentally revealed to her parents that I’m the
father.”
“Aha, so that’s why her dad stormed out looking like he wanted to
punch someone.” Connor nods knowingly before turning back to face the
front. “So...?”
I roll my eyes and start driving towards the farm.
“So, Bri is coming over for dinner on Friday.”
“And?” Connor prods, leaning forward in his seat.
I shrug nonchalantly. “That’s all I got. She said she had work to do and
we agreed to see each other then. But speaking of work,” I say, flicking on
my blinker at the last second, grateful no one else is behind me, when I spot
Kenny’s truck. “I have to make a quick stop.”
I deftly maneuver into the mostly empty parking lot to the farm’s store
front and park the truck. It’s just after lunch on a Tuesday and since it’s
early spring with most kids still in school, business at the farm shop is slow.
We only stay open year-round for travelers passing through on the nearby
highway.
“We gotta work on your detail giving skills.” Connor grumbles but hops
out of the truck and follows me inside.
“Don’t you have work to do instead of shadowing me around?” I ask,
holding the door open for him.
“Some of us actually take a lunch break, you know. You should try it
sometime.”
I don’t bother responding, instead making a beeline for Kenny who’s
leaning against the checkout counter, scrolling through his phone.
“Nothin’ to do up at the barn, huh Kenny?” I tease, causing him to
startle with a yelp. His phone drops to the floor but he quickly recovers,
standing up straight with a hand over his heart.
“Damn man, not cool to sneak up on me like that.” He shakes his head
and tucks his phone back into his pocket. “Our new hire called out so I
came down to help Leah while she takes her lunch break.”
Connor elbows me playfully, chuckling under his breath, but I frown at
the mention of the new employee calling out.
“Thanks for keeping’ an eye out and helping Leah,” I say sincerely to
Kenny.
Leah has managed the farm shop for five years now. When she took
over, she practically banned my dad and me from hovering around down
here. Still, I can’t help but wonder if I should be concerned that she didn’t
mention anything about needing lunch coverage today.
“Not a problem. What brings you down here?” Kenny asks, crossing his
arms and nodding in acknowledgment to Connor.
I clear my throat, glancing around to make sure there are no customers
nearby. “Have you seen Mack?”
“Not since this morning,” Kenny replies. “He was loading up some
supplies in his truck, so I assumed he was spending the day out at the
fence.”
 “Shit,” I mumble, scrubbing a hand over my face and sighing. “The
only reported broken fence this year has been by the Jones’s property. You
guys aren’t keeping repairs from me, right?”
Kenny frowns and shakes his head. “No, Boss. We haven’t even had a
chance to do a proper fence check yet. Pretty sure you and I have it
scheduled on the calendar for a couple weeks from now.”
“What’s wrong?” Connor asks, leaning his hip against the counter
beside me.
“I went to check on how repairs were coming along since half of our
supply pallet was gone. But when I got to the damaged section, it was clear
that no one has been out there in a while.”
Kenny straightens, his hands falling to his sides as he scowls at me.
“Where are the supplies then?” My brother asks, looking between me
and Kenny.
“That’s why I’m looking for Mack. If he’s not fixing the fence, I need to
know where the hell my supplies are going.”

“L ooks like there’s enough supplies left to start working on a section while
we wait for the next order,” Kenny calls out over his shoulder as he locks
the door to one of the storage rooms in the barn. I hum in acknowledgment
and send a quick text to Mack, requesting to meet with him tomorrow.
Scrubbing a hand along my jaw, I pocket my phone and turn to face
Kenny. “Thanks for helping me move all that.”
After Leah returned from lunch, Kenny and I spent the whole afternoon
trying to locate Mack. Despite being on the clock, Mack seemed to have
disappeared, leading us to search every possible place he could be doing
work or slacking off before finally giving up.
When we returned to the barn and saw the pallet, we both agreed that it
should not be left out until I could follow up with Mack.
“No problem,” Kenny said, throwing an arm around my shoulder,
guiding me out of the barn with him. “Although now I don’t have time to
find Rosie, so that’s on you tonight.”
 “Great, as if I haven’t already wandered around the property enough
today,” I groan, shrugging off his arm and closing the barn door behind me.
“Now that’s just not fair,” Kenny whines. “Figures, the one day I don’t
go searching for the horse, someone else brings her back.”
“What are you—” My words catch in my throat at the sight of Bri
walking up the side of the barn with Rosie following closely behind.
“You still get to put her in her stall for the night,” Kenny says, backing
away with a grin. “See you in the morning, Boss.”
I’m almost positive that I acknowledge him with a response.
Unable to stand still any longer, I start moving toward Bri.
“I was just coming to find her.”
Reaching into my pocket, I pull out a sugar cube, holding it out for
Rosie so I can grab her reins while she is distracted.
“She’s not usually out this late and it was getting dark,” Bri shrugged,
stepping a couple feet closer and wrapping her cardigan around her stomach
as she stares down at her feet. “Didn’t want her getting stuck somewhere.”
I smile at the horse. “Did I mention she’s pregnant?”
“No!” Bri exclaims, stepping even closer and holding a hand out for the
mare.
“Still waiting for blood work to confirm, but based on her physical…
yeah. Found out yesterday.”
Bri lets out a strained groan. “So you had all the babies thrown at you
yesterday.”
Her reminder that she’s carrying my child only serves to widen my grin.
“I bet she didn’t have weeks of nausea and misery, though.” Bri
grumbles, playfully scowling at the horse.
“Well no, just an increase in sass, a bigger appetite, and a need for
space,” I reply with a shrug, petting Rosie.
“Huh, is it weird to say I can relate to the horse?” She laughs. I watch
Bri closely before finally asking her about something that’s been bothering
me since last night.
“How have you been feeling? Everyone always says that the first
trimester is the worst.”
“At first I was just really exhausted. I thought it was because of
traveling and adjusting to this new life…” Bri sighs, rubbing her hand over
her stomach. “Then I was convinced I had some severe case of food
poisoning or a virus, so I went to the doctor.”
 She levels me with a cute glare.
“I can handle getting sick, especially since it’s happening less frequently
now. But what I can’t handle is all the crying I do these days.”
I shake my head, holding back a laugh at how serious she looks. When
she lets out a heavy breath and glances over her shoulder, I clear my throat
and gesture towards Rosie.
“If you give me a few minutes to get her settled for the night, I can give
you a ride back so you don’t have to walk in the dark.” I offer, secretly
hoping she’ll say yes.
My brother would tease me if he knew how desperate I am for just five
minutes alone with her.
“I’m not the best passenger in cars,” Bri grimaces.
“Then I’ll walk you back.”
Before she can respond, I continue speaking.
“I don’t like the idea of you walking back to the cabin by yourself in the
dark. It may only be a ten-minute walk, but still.” I turn, keeping Rosie on
one side of me and pointing in the direction of my truck. “Or I can even ride
shotgun and you can drive my truck down to your place.”
Bri bites her bottom lip and gazes up at me for a few seconds before
finally nodding.
We remain silent as we make our way to the stables. It’s a short five-
minute walk, but the entire time, every thought I have about what to say
feels inadequate.
“Alright, let me just take off her reins and put her in her stall,” I say as
we reach the animal barn.
“Take your time.” She motions to Rosie with a smile.
I rush through tending to Rosie, making a mental note to get up earlier
and groom her properly. My sole focus right now is getting back to Bri.
As I’m leading Rosie into her stall, Bri leans against the opposite wall,
offering treats to one of the other mares. She turns and smiles at me as the
horse nuzzles her hand, and I am struck by her beauty in my barn.
Shaking my head, I double-check that the stall door is securely locked
before crossing over to Bri.
“Are we walking or taking my⁠—”
“I lied about why I came by,” Bri blurts out, her eyes wide as she runs a
hand through her red waves. I raise an eyebrow, prompting her to continue.
“Well, it wasn’t a complete lie. I really didn’t want Rosie to get stuck
somewhere. But she was just a perfect excuse for me to come by.”
Anxiety radiates from Bri as she paces back and forth, causing me to
feel on edge as well. Stepping forward, I block her path and force her to
stop pacing. Holding her shoulders steady in front of me, I wait until she
looks up at me.
“Are you okay?”
She nods in response, so I press on. “Is the baby okay?”
I glance down just as her hands wrap around her stomach.
“Yes, we’re both perfectly healthy.”
My head tilts in confusion at her response.
“What’s wrong, Sugar?”
Bri bites her bottom lip and sighs, dropping her forehead to my chest.
Without hesitation, I wrap my arms around her and hold her close.
“It’s probably stupid and just my wonderful talent for overthinking
everything,” she grumbles against my shirt. Her hands find their way to my
hips and begin absentmindedly rubbing them up and down.
Unable to resist, I press a kiss to the top of her head and chuckle.
“Do you remember the rum tour at the resort?”
Bri pulls back, frowning up at me.
“Yes,” she answers hesitantly. A light blush spreads across her cheeks
and I playfully swat her behind.
“Not that part of the tour, although it was my favorite,” I tease. Bringing
my hand up between us, I gently trace the backs of my knuckles over her
cheeks. “I’m talking about when we were in front of the barrel tree.”
As she swallows thickly, a soft nod confirms her recollection. “Yes, I
remember.”
“Whatever you’re feeling is valid. I might not have all the answers or be
able to fix everything, but I can listen.” I close my eyes and gently rest my
forehead against hers. “Tell me what’s on your mind, Sugar.”
“I was too preoccupied with work and telling my parents about us that I
didn’t fully process everything when you stopped by earlier. But then I got
home and started replaying the day, I realized how far away Friday is.”
Bri sighs and pulls away from my embrace.
“Then I started thinking about every possible scenario for our
conversation and how I could make it easier for you or what I would say if
you decided you weren’t happy. And if you are happy, how do we navigate
parenting when we barely know each other and⁠—”
“Okay, hold on,” I interrupt, reaching for her hand. “Before we address
any of that, have you had dinner yet?”
“No, I was too busy creating scenarios in my head.”
I shake my head with a smile.
“Come on.”
Interlocking our fingers, I give her hand a gentle tug as we exit the barn
and make our way towards my house.
“How does steak and mashed potatoes sound?”
Bri groans in delight and squeezes my hand tighter.
“Don’t tease me, Noah. That sounds exactly like what I didn’t know I
was craving.”
“I would never tease you…” I pause and shrug with a smirk. “About
food, that is.”
The walk from the animal barn to my house only takes a few minutes,
during which I inquire about Bri’s work at the winery. She practically
shines as she shares updates and plans for the future. It’s clear that she is
passionate about her job and excels at it.
I let Bri continue gushing about a potential investor she connected with
while living in the city.
“If he signs a contract with Honeywell Winery, I’ll get to plan my first
party here at the venue.” She beams as we step onto my porch and wait in
front of the door.
“I didn’t know the winery held parties.”
“They don’t!” she gasps. “It’s such a waste of potential. My contact has
a partner here in the city; the winery would be the perfect place to host their
annual Christmas party. Apparently, they rotate which branch gets to host it,
and this year it’s South Carolina’s turn.”
“Wow, that sounds far more exciting than the payroll switch,” I say,
holding open my front door and gesturing for her to enter.
Bri steps inside slowly, surveying the living room to her right and the
seldom used dining room to her left. The house is usually clean since I live
alone, with only dishes from the previous night awaiting me the next day.
A few years ago, after my father’s health first began to decline, he
transferred ownership of the house and farm to me and moved into a local
senior care home. He said he wanted to help make the house feel like mine,
although I haven’t changed much.
Connor and I updated the kitchen and bathrooms, which made it
necessary to completely overhaul the electrical throughout the house.
Besides acquiring new furniture and moving into the primary bedroom, I’ve
left the house mostly as it has been my whole life.
“It’s so…” Bri ventures into the living room, a small smile on her face
as she glances at me. “Cozy. I love it.”
Her compliment lightens something in my chest, and I find myself
rubbing at the back of my neck in response.
Shrugging off my flannel shirt, I gesture towards the stairs and give her
a brief layout. “There’s four bedrooms upstairs, although three are empty
since it’s just me. There are two bathrooms up there and a half bath here,” I
add, tapping on a door down the hallway. “And this is the kitchen.”
I guide her down the hallway into my kitchen. When we updated it, I
purposely avoided a typical modern aesthetic, choosing dark green cabinets,
wooden countertops, and black appliances. I wasn’t willing to risk having
anything white in this room.
“Holy shit.” Bri exclaims behind me, and I can’t help but grin.
“Yup,” I reply, pulling out a low-backed stool at the island and
motioning for her to sit.
She hops up and leans forward on her elbows. As I move around the
kitchen gathering what I need for dinner, I feel her eyes following my every
move.
“Sorry if I interrupted your evening.”
“You weren’t interrupting anything,” I assure her with a smile as I
retrieve some potatoes for dinner. “If anything, you’re ensuring that I eat
more than just a sandwich tonight.”
“Can I help with anything?” she asks, eyeing the ingredients spread out
on the island and fidgeting with her fingers.
Turning towards the fridge, I grab a block of cheese and a knife, along
with a cutting board.
“How about you cut some cheese to go with the crackers? We can snack
on them while I cook.”
She nods, accepting everything from me and swiftly beginning her
work. After stepping out to the grill to flip the steaks, I bring up her reasons
for stopping by.
 “Bri,” I say gently to capture her attention. She peeks up at me through
her lashes, observing me from across the island with a furrowed brow. “If I
didn’t make myself clear yesterday, I want you to know that I’m delighted
with the news.”
She sits up straighter, yet her shoulders seem to relax.
“I’m thrilled and I want to be as involved as you’ll allow me. Even my
brother has already sent me about fifty different links to things, asking if he
can buy them for the baby.” I round the island, stepping up beside her while
holding her gaze. “You shouldn’t have to worry about how to make things
easier for me. You’re the one doing all the heavy lifting. Allow me to worry
about you and the baby. I understand that moving here and seeing me again
probably altered your plans of doing things alone, but I want to help with
the baby in any way and at any time you’ll let me.”
She nods, tears welling in the corners of her eyes as she draws in an
uneven breath, but I’m not finished yet.
“Beyond that, I want to be there for you,” I assert, emphasizing the last
part before breaking eye contact.
“Listen,” she begins, leaning back enough to gesture towards her
stomach. “This wasn’t what you signed up for when you agreed to…enjoy
yourself with me over Christmas. I’m glad that you’re excited about the
baby—I really am. But don’t feel obligated to offer more just for the sake of
the baby. We can figure out how to co-parent and⁠—”
“The baby isn’t why I want to be there for you,” I interject, shaking my
head and deciding to lay it all out for her. “I like you, not because you’re
carrying my child, but because of who you are.” I pause, swallowing the
residual hurt from her lack of communication, choosing instead to
concentrate on her presence now and not letting her slip away. “Tell me I’m
not the only one who feels this chemistry between us.”
“You’re not,” she murmurs.
“Let’s just…get to know each other. And I mean truly get to know each
other. No more of that ‘nothing deep or personal’ rule we had on vacation.
We have a few months before the baby arrives and I want to spend them
with you.” I shrug, stepping back to finish preparing the mashed potatoes.
“Or at least until you tell me you want nothing more than a co-parent for the
baby.”
Bri remains silent as I mash the potatoes and then head out to retrieve
the steaks.
 “So, essentially, we should hit the brakes and reset?” She finally asks as
I set her plate in front of her. I bend down, leaning in until our lips are
barely an inch apart.
“I will go at whatever pace and do whatever you ask of me, just as long
as it means that I’m spending time with you.”

OceanofPDF.com
 SABRINA

“O h, you’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter to myself as I stare out the

back door, struggling not to drool at a shirtless Noah working on the
fence. Even from this distance, it’s impossible to miss the way his
jeans fit snugly around his hips and thighs, or the way his tattooed arms flex
as he lifts the new post.
Rosie hovers nearby, idly munching on grass and watching him work
almost as intently as I am.
Initially, I was concerned about her presence on the property. However,
we’ve since established a daily routine. It probably didn’t hurt that I
researched fruits safe for horses and now start every morning by giving her
a treat.
Since our dinner a few weeks ago, Noah has stopped by almost every
evening to check on me and collect Rosie. With the weather getting
progressively warmer, most days after work, the horse and I hang out on the
porch with snacks and wait for Noah’s arrival. He often lingers under the
pretense of “giving Rosie five more minutes,” but usually stays long
enough to share dinner with me.
Getting to know him has been a delightful surprise.
The only problem is that as I learn more about him, my attraction
intensifies—something I hadn’t thought possible given that my desire for
him is the very reason I’m here.
My libido seems incapable of understanding the concept of starting over
and taking things slow. It feels like I should be given a gold star each day
that I resist pouncing on him the moment he’s in sight.
And now, there he is outside, working shirtless and making it
impossible to even remember why I left my couch in the first place.
Noah glances up from the post he’s working on and gifts me a
captivating smile. My cheeks heat up at being caught ogling him, but rather
than looking away, I impulsively decide it’s time to ask him something
that’s been on my mind for weeks.
As I push the glass door open and step out, both Noah and Rosie watch
me. My blush deepens as I approach Noah, who leans his shovel against the
fence before hopping over the broken section and meets me halfway.
Under normal circumstances, I would remember to watch my footing on
the uneven ground. But Noah’s magnetic presence scrambles my thoughts.
I trip over a dip in the ground, but before I can react to catch myself,
arms encircle my waist while my face collides with a bare chest
“Careful,” Noah chuckles and steadies me, but doesn’t let me go. My
hands rest on his biceps, and it takes effort not to explore further.
“Thank you,” I mumble before releasing him to tuck a stray lock of hair
behind my ear and take a step back. However, my embarrassment peaks
when my heel snags on the same pesky hole and I stumble again.
Fortunately, Noah reacts swiftly and catches me. This time, he does
more than just help me stay upright.
“Alright, that’s enough adventure for one day,” he chuckles.
Before I can protest, he scoops me up into his arms and heads back
toward the cabin. I wrap an arm around his neck and squirm in his grasp.
“Noah, I just lost my footing. I can walk.”
He shakes his head. “Yeah, I’m not risking you or my baby getting hurt
on my watch.” His hand squeezes my thigh. My heart skips a beat at his
words and touch.
“Yes, but contrary to a moment ago, my feet do actually work.” Even as
I continue my protests, I relax in his hold as we approach the porch. “I
didn’t mean to distract you from your work.”
He strides through my back door without hesitation, heading straight for
my couch. However, I tap his shoulder and make him stop.
“Okay, now that we’re on a flat surface, you can put me down,” I
instruct him, aware that if I sit on that comfortable couch, my productivity
for the rest of the day will plummet. He hesitates but complies, setting me
on my feet while still keeping a hold on me.
 I pat his hand reassuringly and step away towards the kitchen. Clearing
my throat, I pick up my phone from the counter and turn back to him.
Fuck, he’s still shirtless.
How am I supposed to concentrate when all I can do is gawk at his abs?
“How are you feeling today?” he asks, circling the couch and closing
the distance.
“Good,” I respond, my hand settling on the lower curve of my growing
baby bump. “Actually, that’s why I came out to see you.”
I try to ignore the blush spreading across my chest at the small fib. But
it’s not like I’m not about to admit that I wanted a better view of his bare
torso. His head tilts endearingly to the side, a single eyebrow raised in silent
question.
My nails tap on the back of my phone and I avert my gaze.
“I have an appointment next week and I wanted to let you know in case
you would like to be there. They should be able to determine the baby’s
gender at this one.”
A knot forms in my stomach when Noah remains silent for a few
moments. Eventually, I give in and look up. I watch as my words slowly
register, and a grin spreads across his face.
“Do you want me there?” he asks quietly, and I nod immediately.
“Yes, that way you can see everything too. If you have any questions
or⁠—”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he interrupts me, causing me to
chuckle.
Unlocking my phone, I open a new contact entry and hold it out to him.
“If you put your number in, I’ll text you the details. It’s probably smart
for us to have each other’s numbers anyway.”
Noah’s smile fades and his jaw clenches as he stares at my outstretched
hand. For a heartbeat, I second-guess my offer. Granted, I haven’t had to
ask for a guy’s number like this before, but until now, I didn’t think there
was a wrong way to do it.
He takes a deep breath, forces a smile back onto his face, and takes my
phone before I can drop my hand.
“Thank you,” he says softly as he hands it back.
“Of course,” I respond while sending off a message to his contact. As I
try to ignore the residual tension between us, I add, “Now you have my
number too.”
 Noah steps forward, leans down, and places a gentle kiss on my cheek.
“I should get back to work. I’ll see you later?” He asks, and I can only
nod slowly, lost in the lingering sensation of his lips.
He walks away without another word, leaving me to watch him go.
Every fiber of my being urges me to call him back.
Sighing, I force myself out of my daydreams about Noah and check the
time. It’s early enough for a quick shower to help cool down.
I need to stop thinking about him—something that seems nearly
impossible given his half-dressed state within my line of sight. Groaning at
the overwhelming desire that courses through me, I head to my bedroom to
grab a change of clothes.
As I pass by my bed en route to the closet, my gaze lands on my
nightstand.
Maybe I can take care of some of this tension on my own…
Quickly, I shut and lock the bedroom door behind me. Checking that the
curtains are drawn, I make my way around the bed. Stopping in front of my
bedside table, I open the drawer and pull out my favorite vibrator.
While those toy parties can be incredibly awkward, the woman who
convinced me to buy my first rabbit will always hold a special place in my
heart.
I press the button, smiling at the sound of its familiar hum echoing
through the silent room, a thrill of anticipation coursing through me. The
thought that Noah is just across my backyard only adds to the excitement.
Shimmying out of my leggings and underwear, I lay on the bed and
spread my thighs. Teasing my entrance, I groan and drop my head back as I
torment myself with thoughts of Noah bending me over the massage table
over Christmas. I work the toy inside me, groaning as I angle it back and
click to turn on the ears. My back arches off the bed at the added sensation
to my clit.
My heart hammers in my chest as my orgasm builds and I hover at the
edge. I slip my free hand under my shirt, grateful I hadn’t gotten around to
putting a bra on today as I grab my breast and pinch my nipple. Picking up
the speed, I tilt the wand and thrust the toy, hitting my g-spot and groaning.
I gasp and repeat the motion, pinching and twisting my nipple as I
repeat the movement. It only takes a few more thrusts to push me over. My
orgasm crashes through me in waves of blissful pleasure.
 But even as I catch my breath, the aching desire for Noah lingers just
under the surface. Only this time I suspect that my favorite vibrator won’t
be enough.

OceanofPDF.com
 NOAH

“C onnor, I swear if you’re calling me again to ask if I know the gender

of the baby yet, I will punch you the next time I see you.”
“I’m not!” he protests in a high-pitched voice and I roll my eyes.
“Then why are you calling?”
“Can’t I just check in on my brother?” He retorts with a scoff.
“Yeah, you could have one of the three times you called me this
morning. But considering this is the fourth time you’ve called me before
noon?” I laugh, shaking my head even though he can’t see me.
“Or maybe I realized I never asked how you were during our previous
conversations,” he replies without conviction.
I trap the phone between my ear and shoulder, bending down to grab my
boots.
“I’m fine, Connor. You’ve checked in. Now, let me put on my shoes and
I’ll call you after the appointment.”
“You know, there’s this thing called texting. You could update me the
moment you find out!” Connor blurts out.
I roll my eyes and move to sit on the stairs while slipping on my tan
boots.
“You’ll know when Bri says you can.”
“Oh,” he sings teasingly. “So, she’s ‘Bri’ now?”
“She’s always been Bri to me,” I grumble but shake it off. “Anyway, as
I told you before—it’s up to Bri. She might not even want to find out today
and wait for one of those gender reveal events instead.”
 He sighs dramatically on the other end. “Fine. But if that’s what she
decides to do then I call dibs on being in charge of the envelope with the
gender. If that means I need to be put on cupcake or balloon duty with the
correct color, then so be it.”
“Impatient much?” I ask rhetorically.
“It’s called being excited to be an uncle,” he retorts. “What time is the
appointment again?”
“As I’ve told you three times this morning and twice yesterday in the
group chat with AJ, it’s at one-thirty.” I pull the phone away and glance at
the time. “Which means I gotta go since I promised Bri I’d meet her at the
cabin in ten minutes.”
I had offered to pick her up and drive, but she insisted that she does not
do well as a passenger. Which is perfectly fine with me; as much as I would
love to see her in the passenger seat of my truck, her comfort is more
important.
It also means I can actually watch her and not just steal glances while
driving.
“Promise you’ll call me tonight?” Connor asks, his tone quiet enough to
make me pause.
After our mom passed away, we gradually lost contact with our
extended family on her side. It never bothered me too much. Maybe
because I threw myself into learning how to run the farm from Dad. But
that was fifteen years ago and while I still miss my mom, we were never
that close with her family anyway since they never made the effort to visit
us.
But the vulnerability in my brother’s voice makes me realize that, while
I had never given much thought to having kids, deep down, I always saw
my dad there.
My eyes close and I force myself to breathe evenly.
It wasn’t until this moment that I realized just how much I wish my dad
was here to meet his grandchild.
“Yeah, Con. I’ll call you the second I can to share the news. Or at the
very least, let you make your case to Bri about why you should be entrusted
with the envelope.”
T here are few moments in my life that I remember with absolute clarity.
The time I punched a hotshot bully in the face for picking on my brother;
the day I stood on the beach of a vacation rental, listening to my father on
the phone as he told me Mom was gone; the look on the surgeon’s face as
he approached us after my father’s final surgery, informing us they did
everything they could, but my dad was gone.
And then there was the night I met Bri.
Now, as I stand beside her holding her hand, relying on it as if it’s my
lifeline while leaning against the intimidating chair she’s reclined in for her
appointment, I know this moment will join those others.
The sound of my baby’s heartbeat is something that will forever be
imprinted in my mind.
“I noticed your blood pressure was a little on the higher side, so we’ll
make sure to discuss that afterwards. But other than that,” the doctor
pauses, clicking a couple of buttons before smiling up at us, “the baby is
healthy and right on track. We have ten little fingers and toes… do you want
to know the sex?”
“Yes,” Bri and I answer simultaneously, making the doctor chuckle as
she turns back to her screen.
It wasn’t until an hour before the appointment that I realized just how
jumbled my emotions were. I was thrilled that Bri asked me to be here
today, excited to witness this for myself. But at the same time, nerves and
fears continued to ransack my mind.
On my walk over to the cabin, I couldn’t stop thinking about how little I
know about pregnancy and what Bri is experiencing. Then I kept thinking
up all of the things that could potentially be wrong with the baby. By the
time I stepped onto the front porch, I decided that a trip to the bookstore
during tomorrow’s lunch break was definitely needed.
There was no way that I would bombard Bri with a barrage of questions
when I could simply research the answers myself.
When Bri opened the door, her smile took my breath away, as it always
does. I was determined to keep my worries hidden, which led to me
rambling about AJ and Connor blowing up our group chat last night. And
how my brother had been calling me all morning, making sure to relay his
envelope and cupcake offer.
She laughed, commenting on how cute it was that he’s so excited for
this and reassured me that I could share the news with him tonight.
“While I will never say no to cupcakes, I am way too much of a planner
and over-thinker to not find out today,” she said as we walked to her car,
grinning at me before continuing. “I think it’s cute that they’re this excited
about the baby. You can tell them tonight or whenever you want. I planned
on telling my parents tomorrow morning when I see them.”
Now, as I glance down to find Bri smiling up at me while the sound of
our baby’s heartbeat fills the room, all those earlier fears take a backseat in
my mind.
Inhaling deeply, I bend forward to lightly kiss Bri’s forehead as the
doctor continues.
“Alright, congratulations mom and dad, you’re having a boy.”
The air leaves my lungs and my throat tightens as I stare at the
ultrasound screen while the doctor goes over a few more things.
Bri squeezes my hand, drawing my attention away from the screen. It’s
then that I notice we are alone in the room.
“Are you… okay?” she asks quietly while handing me a picture of the
ultrasound with a white circle around the baby and the words “it’s a boy!”
“What?” I ask, blinking slowly and trying to figure out what else I
missed.
“Well, I never asked if you were hoping for a boy or a girl. Not that I
can actually change anything about⁠—”
“The only thing I had been hoping for was to hear that the baby is
healthy. I would have been equally excited if the doctor said it was a girl.
No matter what happens now or later in life, I’m going to be my baby’s
biggest fan,” I reach up to tuck her hair behind her ear and smile when she
leans into my touch. “Thank you.”
Bri snorts and smirks at me, her head falling back against the headrest.
“Hey, it takes two to get here.”
“Yes, and it was a lot of fun getting here.” I chuckle, leaning in to kiss
her cheek. “But you’re doing the hard part. And let’s face it, if the roles
were reversed, I would not look as beautiful as you do.”
 She rolls her eyes but laughs as she places a hand on my chest and
playfully pushes me away.
“All right, let me just get dressed and we can go.” Bri clutches the
blanket around her waist as she motions to the door.
I don’t point out that I’ve clearly seen her without her pants on before
and instead place a gentle kiss on her forehead before giving her privacy.
While I wait for her to get dressed and checked out, I quickly send my
brother and AJ a picture of the ultrasound.
Bri steps up next to me, clutching her keys tightly and motioning to the
door. “Ready?”
I nod, watching her closely before turning to hold the door open for her.
Before the appointment, she was practically vibrating in her seat as she
drove us here.
Now, it’s clear she’s distracted. Walking beside her, I peek over every so
often, wondering if I should ask what’s wrong. As we approach her car, she
fidgets with her keys and nervously bites her bottom lip.
Rounding the car first, I block the driver’s side door and wait for her to
look up at me.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
Bri blinks once, then again as if she hadn’t quite processed my words.
She nods with a strained smile. “Yeah, just thinking about work.”
I raise an eyebrow but don’t challenge her obvious lie. Instead, I reach
for the handle and open her car door.
The drive back to the farm is short, but tense with a strained silence
lingering between us.
“Bri, are you sure everything is ok⁠—”
“It’s really happening,” she cuts me off. “There’s a baby inside of me.
I’m carrying a freaking human.”
She glances at me, eyes wide and slightly wild—not that I would tell
her that. I open my mouth to say something reassuring, but nothing comes
out. She’s had so much going on since finding out about the baby, but has
she actually given herself time to let the fact sink in?
The answer is easy to deduce based on the hysterical laugh that escapes
from her mouth. Her grip on the steering wheel tightens, knuckles turning
white from the intensity of it.
“How am I supposed to take care of a baby when I can’t even spell
bananas without singing that Gwen Stefani song?” she asks, and doesn’t
give me a second to process the question before her breath hitches audibly.
“Bri?”
She’s on the verge of hyperventilating, which could lead to multiple
problems since she’s the one driving.
From the corner of my eye, I spot a dirt road pull-off coming up and get
an idea. Reaching over the center console, I place a hand on her knee and
gently rub my thumb to help keep her grounded.
“Bri, could you do me a favor and turn down that road on the right?”
Drawing in a ragged breath, she flips her turn signal and heads down the
road without hesitation.
I continue to gently rub her knee as she cautiously navigates the
overgrown road. It isn’t until we’re halfway down that she finally voices
her uncertainty.
“Wait, where are we going?”
“You’ll see in a minute.”
“It looks like I’m driving us to a secluded shack in the woods.” She
frowns, but eventually, her shoulders relax, and her breathing steadies as
she continues driving.
Spotting the weathered sign, I smile and give her knee another
reassuring squeeze before turning to gauge her reaction.
Her frown quickly fades into surprise, and she gasps softly. Sitting
straighter in her seat, she leans forward with wide eyes and brings the car to
a stop.
“Where are we?” She asks without taking her eyes off the view before
her.
Following her gaze, I smile softly at the sight of freshly bloomed
wildflowers framing the water.
“Clover Pond.”
Before she can ask anything else, I’m out of the car and at her door.
Offering my hand, I help her out and sneak a quick glance at her shoes. I
hadn’t planned on taking her for a trek around the pond but the walk to the
bench near the water’s edge would be quite a challenge in heels.
Fortunately, she’s wearing ankle boots.
We walk in silence down the short path to the pond. The bench comes
into view just a few feet back from the water’s edge. I guide us over and
release Bri’s hand. Taking off my flannel shirt, I spread it out on the bench
and gesture for her to sit.
 “I haven’t had a chance to come out here yet and clean it off.”
“I’m pretty sure my leggings can handle a little dirt,” she retorts
playfully. Despite her sassiness, the shy smile and blush on her cheeks hint
that I made a smart move.
“True enough, but now you won’t have to worry about me gawking at
your ass because of the dirt on it.”
“Should I be worrying about you checking me out for other reasons?”
Bri teases as she settles herself on the bench, looking up at me with a raised
eyebrow.
I sit down beside her, stretching my arm along the back of the bench and
around her shoulders.
“Sugar, I don’t need any reason other than the fact that it’s a part of
you.” I shrug nonchalantly. “If you’d rather I didn’t look, I’ll do my best to
resist. But truth be told, you have a nice ass.”
I pause momentarily, frowning. “I mean that in the most respectful way
possible. I find every inch of you attractive and also acknowledge your
intelligence and kindness.”
Bri laughs, shaking her head and leaning into my side.
“I’m not offended by you saying that I look good. Also I’m, almost
certain this isn’t the first time you’ve told me I have a nice ass.”
Instead of responding, I gently squeeze her closer to my side.
I have told her that before, during one of the many times I was fortunate
enough to have her bent over in front of me. Needing to not think about Bri
naked, I focus on the pond.
The colorful wildflowers fill almost every available space around the
pond, making even the trail that loops around it hard to spot. However, it’s
the large cluster of lavender framed by blue flowers across the pond that
brings a smile to my face.
“This was my mom’s favorite place,” I whisper, gazing at the water.
“There are two trails on the other side of the pond; one leads up to my
house along the creek and the other goes to my brother’s place. But back
then it was just an old house on the property that Mom promised to fix up
someday.”
With my free hand, I subconsciously rub at the discomfort in my chest
and continue.
“She planted the flowers over there in a heart shape. Although I doubt
its shape has held over the years. Everyone knew to leave her alone when
they saw her with her basket and a book heading this way. She would come
out here for a few hours, escape from all of us men, and always return with
a smile. It was as if she always came back lighter.”
Bri rests her hand on my thigh, pulling my gaze down to her. She smiles
as she surveys the pond with shining eyes.
“I can see why. It’s peaceful out here; it feels as though we’re in a safe
haven.”
After a moment of silence, I clear my throat to get her attention.
“So, back to my earlier question of ‘is everything okay’?” I ask again,
trying to keep any hint of desperation out of my voice. It hasn’t escaped me
how reserved she still is around me. Although we talk about a lot of things,
each day I sense she’s still holding back.
Bri sighs, leaning forward on the bench and bracing her elbows on her
knees. Just when I think she isn’t going to answer, she surprises me.
“Everything just hit me all at once. Hearing the doctor say it’s a boy
made it all too real.” Her words confirm my earlier suspicions. I reach out,
gently running my hand up and down her back to remind her that she’s not
alone.
Bri drops her head between her shoulders with a heavy sigh.
“This time last year, I was engaged,” she admits in a whisper, causing
my jaw to clench involuntarily. But I remain silent while she continues. “I
was swamped with work and wedding planning that I didn’t even have time
to consider how I felt. By the time everything caught up with me, it was a
month before the wedding and I couldn’t go through with it. I had been with
him for eight years. He was my closest friend, but I didn’t love him.”
I continue to rub her back, my jaw finally relaxing as she continues.
“In case you’ve ever wondered, canceling a wedding is not fun.” She
says.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I reply, chuckling lightly. Bri finally sits back,
her eyes brimming with tears as she looks at me.
“I managed to keep the honeymoon though, considering I couldn’t get a
refund.”
My smile fades as I start to understand where this conversation is
heading.
“So, that’s why you wanted to make sure our time together didn’t
become too intimate or overly personal,” I state. She nods, offering me a
sad smile in return.
 “I had been in a relationship since college. I thought it would be best not
to rush into another one when moving on. Besides, we were just on
vacation, looking for fun.”
I try to hide my disappointment that she dismisses out time together as
“just” something casual.
Tears roll down her cheeks as she clenches her jaw, shakes her head,
and continues to speak.
“Then I returned to New York and my life was still in shambles. My
home didn’t feel like mine anymore. Then I found out I’m pregnant. The
decision to move back home was an easy one. But after that, I got caught up
in the move, the winery, and the surprise of finding you in my parents’
kitchen…” Her voice trails off and she takes a deep breath.
I wrap an arm around her and pull her close to my side, comforting her.
“And now it’s all hitting you,” I murmur against the top of her head and
she nods.
“I don’t know if I can do this. I haven’t even started buying anything for
the baby or reading any of the parenting books that everyone keeps
recommending. Someone said that I should already be looking at schools
and I have no idea where to start with that.” Bri takes a labored breath and
waves a hand towards me. “We haven’t even talked about how we’re going
to manage raising a baby together.” Her voice hiccups at the end of her
sentence, and I suppress a chuckle at the adorable sound.
I reach forward, slide a hand under her knees, and pull her onto my lap,
cradling her against my chest.
“I don’t have all the answers, but I can promise you this—you’re not
alone. I will be by your side, figuring it out with you. I’m here for you, Bri,
not just for the baby,” I reassure her before kissing her forehead and resting
my own against hers. “Leave the book reading and school research to me.
I’ll print out the important information and summarize it for you. I’ll even
let you drive my truck to the city for shopping at the big mall and high-end
stores with you and to do all the heavy lifting and bag carrying.”
She leans her head back, forcing me to lift mine to look down at her.
Slowly, she reaches up and runs her hand along my beard.
“You’d let me drive your truck?” she asks, a playful grin spreading
across her face.
“Sugar, I’d hand you the keys to my entire life without batting an eye.”
OceanofPDF.com
 SABRINA

“I can show you how to get down here from the farm if you’d like,”
Noah offers a few hours later as we finally make our way back to
my car.
If I were alone, I would have lingered longer, something Noah clearly
noticed. However, the sound of my stomach grumbling has shifted his focus
to finding food for me. “You don’t have to do that. This was your mom’s
place after all,” I protest.
Noah reaches out, intertwining our fingers together.
“She would despise the idea of no one enjoying the tranquility here.
Connor and I only visit once a year to tidy up the place,” he pauses and
grins sheepishly at me. “Not that we were allowed here often as children.
Apparently, we were too noisy and disruptive.”
“Two teenage boys unable to sit still and relax? Who would’ve
guessed?” I tease in response.
He walks me to the driver’s side of my car but blocks the door, turning
me to face him.
“I’m serious about showing you how to get down here from the farm
and from the main road again in case you want to drive here on your own,”
he says softly. As he speaks, he tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“My mom used this place as her sanctuary and everyone knew to only
disturb her in emergencies. If you’d like, it can be your haven too.”
I bite my lip pensively and glance over my shoulder towards the pond
once more. “Connor won’t mind?”
 Noah wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me into him. My hands
rest on his arms as I tilt my head back to meet his gaze.
Laugh lines crinkle at the corners of his shining diamond eyes. His
beard is fuller than it was three months ago, giving him a more rugged
farmer look compared to the sun-kissed muscle man that I first met. The
feel of his firm biceps under my palms is a gentle reminder of what his
flannel conceals.
“I can double check with Connor if you’d like, but knowing him, he
won’t object in the slightest.”
“Then I’d appreciate that very much,” I murmur, trying to ignore the
proximity of his lips. It would be effortless to push up on my tiptoes and
kiss him.
Am I allowed to kiss him? He did say we could go at my pace, and we
have been spending a significant amount of time together these past few
weeks. He’s also kissed me on the cheek or forehead, but we haven’t
actually shared a proper kiss since that night in his truck.
As I start to pull away, Noah leans in. I hold my breath, keeping my
eyes locked on his for as long as I can.
A wave of disappointment washes over me when he turns his face,
resting his cheek against mine instead of kissing me.
“You make it extremely difficult to behave and let things move at your
pace when you look at me like that,” he whispers into my ear, causing an
involuntary shiver. “The next time you look at me like that, I won’t be able
to resist you.”
Noah nips at my earlobe, drawing a gasp before he pulls away.
“I was thinking about ordering pizza for dinner. Would you like to join
me?”
Despite his mischievous grin and previous statement, his proposal
seems so innocent, that it causes me to burst out laughing.
“That depends…Will there be wings?”
“I f I wake up in the middle of the night craving this pizza, I’ll blame you,”
I say as I finish off my last slice.
Noah smirks and shrugs, standing up to collect our empty plates and
carry them to the sink.
“Luckily, the pizzeria is one of the few establishments in town that
remains open until two in the morning. If you crave it, I’ll fetch it.”
“You wouldn’t be saying that if I actually called you at midnight asking
for a slice,” I counter teasingly, picking up our empty glasses and following
him to the sink. He takes them from me, placing them down before turning
to lean against the counter.
“Whether it’s now, next week or three months from now, my offer
stands. If you want it, I’ll get it for you,” he reaffirms seriously. His words
warm my cheeks, but I shake my head with a smile and clear my throat.
“I should let you go,” I say hesitantly, not genuinely wanting to leave
his company but aware that I’ve distracted him all afternoon and well into
the evening.
“I have ice cream,” Noah blurts out just as I turn to leave the kitchen.
I glance over my shoulder and quirk an eyebrow at him. “What kind?” I
ask, knowing that unless he says it’s something like pistachio, I will happily
eat it.
Ten minutes later, we’re sitting on his couch finishing up our bowls of
mint chocolate ice cream. All I keep thinking is that this is the most fun I’ve
had in months, excluding my minor panic after the appointment which
wasn’t as terrible as it could have been.
Once he left me alone in the doctor’s office to get dressed, everything
began to settle in. Only then did I grasp how much I had yet to process.
Today made me realize just how unprepared I still am. The enormity of
everything began to crash down in full force and all I could do was
succumb to the ensuing panic.
But then Noah guided me down a random side road, leading me to a
mini-paradise. He knew how to support me without being intrusive,
alleviating some of the fears that were creeping in. When he invited me for
dinner, I wasn’t ready to burst the happy bubble we found.
Now, I’m finding it difficult to go home for the night.
Just like when we first met, I continually find myself drawn to Noah’s
presence. I’m comfortable around him in a way that I’ve never been with
anyone else. Which serves as another reminder that calling off my
engagement with Paul was the right decision.
Without the initial constraint of keeping things light and impersonal
when we met, it’s easy to talk to Noah about almost anything. Not just
today, but each day he visits the cabin to check on me. When I told him
about the baby, I knew if he decided to be involved, it would force us
closer.
I never envisioned craving his attention like this again, and not just
physically. Although, having sex in his truck a week after I got here didn’t
help. If anything, it only intensified my cravings for more of him daily,
leading to a couple of frustrating months.
But he left without a word.
The thought creeps in, reminding me of the emptiness I felt waking up
the day after Christmas to find he had gone.
I understand why he did it. My parents and Tucker revealed his father
had passed away right at Christmas. It’s hard to blame him for that,
considering I can’t imagine what I would have done if my father had been
in his place.
Yet understanding his circumstances doesn’t erase the pain I felt that
morning. It doesn’t alleviate the ache from his absence or the bone deep
loneliness I experienced when I found out about the pregnancy by myself.
Noah interrupts my thoughts as he takes the bowl from my hands,
places it inside his, and sets them on the coffee table before sitting back
beside me. He tilts his head to look at me with a small smile.
“Thank you for inviting me today. I’m glad I could be there for that, and
for you.”
“I’m glad you were there,” I respond, gently nudging his shoulder with
mine and returning his smile. “We’re having a boy.”
His smile widens, unmistakable tears pricking at the corners of his eyes
as his gaze shifts to my midsection.
“We’re having a boy,” he whispers, repeating the phrase as if to imprint
it on his mind. “I feel so…fortunate.”
The raw emotion in his voice leaves me teetering on the brink of tears.
“I think I hit the jackpot today,” I joke, playfully poking his side. “I got
to see our baby, a beautiful pond, and enjoyed pizza.”
Noah’s deep laughter resonates within me and it takes effort to keep my
composure. My gaze zeroes in on his lips, a warmth coursing through me
when his tongue darts out to wet them. All I can focus on is how close he is
as the tension between us builds.
“Bri,” Noah cautions. “I warned you what would happen if you gave me
that look again.”
I can only nod, my gaze still fixated on his mouth while I think about
what it felt like for those lips to explore my body.
“Fuck it,” Noah mutters under his breath.
Before I can process what is happening, his fingers weave into my hair
as he bridges the gap between us.
Noah’s lips meet mine and everything else seems to fade into oblivion.
He consumes me, kissing away all my previous fears and doubts until only
he remains.
His tongue brushes teasingly along my bottom lip, silently seeking
entrance, which I willingly grant. He deepens the kiss, wrapping his free
arm around my waist and gently guiding me to lay back on the couch. Noah
helps position my body until he is nestled between my thighs.
I stifle a groan when he grinds against me and he responds by repeating
the movement.
Noah’s hand moves from my waist, briefly resting on the small bump
before tracing up my ribs and cupping my breast.
I break the kiss with a gasp, stunned by the surge of sensation from his
touch, even with the barrier of my bra. But his lips don’t leave me, using his
grip in my hair to ease my head back onto the cushion so he can plant a trail
of open-mouthed kisses down my neck.
A hum of desire resonates within me as my hands find the hem of his
shirt. I slide my palms along his ribs, pushing the shirt up as I rhythmically
move my hips against him.
“Tell me to stop,” he breathes against my neck, to which I shake my
head in denial.
“Don’t you dare,” I demand, shoving his shirt up further, silently
pleading for it to be gone.
Noah pushes himself up slightly, releasing my hair as he uses his hand
to support his weight above me while studying my face. His eyes dart
between mine in an intense examination.
I trace a finger down his stomach, smirking up at him and continuing
until I reach the button of his jeans.
 “I thought you said that if I gave you that look again, you’d stop holding
back. Did you change your mind?” My words carry a teasing tone, but I
can’t help but wonder if he’s reconsidering.
Noah runs his thumb over my bottom lip.
“There’s nothing that could make me change my mind about wanting
you.”
Before I can respond, he’s kissing me fervently, only breaking away
when our shirts and my bra are finally being removed.
He kisses down my neck and chest before taking one of my nipples
gently between his lips.
The moan that escapes is unrecognizable, but I can’t bring myself to be
embarrassed as he teases me with his tongue. My hips grind against him in
search of relief as he continues his delicious torment.
“Fuck,” he mutters, briefly pulling away to rest his face between my
breasts. “This here is paradise.”
With our jeans still obstructing us, he rubs against me, and I groan in
response.
“That’s it, Sugar. Let me hear you.”
Tension builds, pooling low in my stomach as he continues to worship
my chest while grinding into me. I match his movements, desperate for the
impending release, but shake my head.
“Noah, I need…” My plea for him to be inside me is cut off with a cry
as he pinches one nipple while gently biting the other. “Shit, I think I’m
going to…”
He does it again in time with a thrust against me, triggering my climax
that rips through me with a gasp that morphs into a moan.
“That’s it, beautiful. Look at you,” he praises. My thighs tighten around
him and he chuckles. “So perfect.”
“What would be perfect,” I manage between breaths, smirking up at him
as I reach between us to unbutton his jeans, “is for you to stop holding back
and fuck me.”
“As if I could ever deny you,” Noah retorts with a chuckle as he eases
off of me to give us both room to remove our remaining clothes. He is faster
than me and quickly assists in removing my leggings.
I lick my lips at the sight of him. His muscles ripple as he settles again
between my thighs, his gaze leisurely traces every inch of my body.
 “Do you have any idea how perfect you are?” Noah questions as he
finally touches me. His hands glide up my thighs, securing them to his hips
as he watches me.
“Seeing you like this is like a vision from my dreams.” One of his hands
lightly strokes my stomach and he smirks. “Except this is better. Seeing you
sprawled out, panting and so beautifully needy for me… all while knowing
you’re carrying our child is everything.”
He grinds against me then, showing just how aroused he is. I gasp at the
contact, immediately locking my legs around his waist and shamelessly
rubbing myself against him.
“So needy,” he chuckles. I nod in response, not caring if I appear
desperate.
Bracing his weight on one hand between me and the couch, his other
grips my ass. Noah leans forward, capturing my lips in another searing kiss.
His fingers tease my pussy, tormenting me as he pins me down. I subtly
shift my hips beneath him, causing his cock to notch at my entrance. He
pushes in slightly, as if instinctively but stops so only his tip is inside me.
I squirm, needing more but Noah tightens his grip on my hips and
swears under his breath as he restrains me.
“Bri,” he says through gritted teeth. His brow furrows as he pulls back.
“I guess now is a bad time to remember that I don’t own any condoms.”
I let out a strangled laugh, placing a hand on his chest.
“Well, it’s not like you can get me pregnant again at this point.”
He rests his head on my shoulder, planting a tender kiss.
“Should I apologize for not thinking of that sooner?”
I shake my head and dig my heels into his backside, urging him to move
faster. “The only thing you should be doing is fucking me,” I gasp out.
Noah groans in my ear, the sound sending a jolt straight to my clit as he
finally starts to work himself inside of me. By the time he’s fully sheathed
himself and pauses, I’m reduced to a blubbering mess, shamelessly begging
for more. He holds still, kissing along my collarbone while I clench around
him and grind my hips against his, seeking more friction on my sensitive
clit.
“Fuck, Bri,” he whispers breathlessly, “Look at you taking me so
beautifully.” He slowly pulls out before snapping his hips forward again,
grinding against me and eliciting another moan from me.
 If I respond, my words are unintelligible as I beg him to keep fucking
me.
“I’ve got you, Sugar,” he murmurs. “So fucking perfect, taking every
inch of me and begging for more.”
I nod eagerly and arch off the couch in an attempt to meet his thrusts,
but Noah holds me still. Pleasure builds low in my stomach as my orgasm
builds once more and every nerve in my body comes alive under his skilled
hands and praises.
He pushes up onto his knees, lifting my hips and shoves a decorative
pillow beneath me to hold me up. The new angle draws a loud moan from
me and I think I manage to say his name.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” he taunts with a smirk. “There
is no better sound than you moaning my name.”
His lips find one of my nipples, sucking it between his teeth and biting
down gently just as his hips snap forward. When he slowly pulls his cock
out until only the tip remains inside of me, he pauses and keeps me pinned
beneath him.
I glance down, captivated by the way his tongue circles around my
nipple. My nails dig into his back, urging him to move. Our eyes meet and
he smirks.
Holding my gaze, he slams into me again. My orgasm rips through me
unexpectedly and I spiral into bliss as my pussy tightens around his cock.
“That’s it, Sugar,” Noah murmurs against my chest, grinding against me
to prolong my release. His thrusts become erratic, slamming into me a few
more times before he stills with a curse. He pumps his cock slowly inside of
me as he comes with a guttural groan before collapsing on top of me.
He supports most of his weight on his arms but I hold onto him tightly.
“That was so much better than my vibrator,” I say with a breathless
giggle. He lifts his head and we both moan at the feeling of his cock
twitching inside of me.
“You’re comparing me to your toy?” He chuckles, gently thrusting his
hips. I’m surprised to see that he’s already half-hard again.
“I…I…” My words fail me as he continues to lazily move inside of me.
Swallowing thickly, I shake my head and try to find the right words. “Yes,
but only because you’re better.”
Noah laughs and leans forward to nip at my earlobe.
 “Imagine what I could make you feel with the vibrator,” he whispers,
continuing to list all the dirty things he could do with the help of toys while
slowly fucking me until we both come again.

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 NOAH

“A re you sure you don’t need me to come out and help with the fence?”
Kenny asks as I shut the door of my truck’s bed.
“I’m good. I need to get out of the office and do some actual
work,” I respond, rounding the back of the truck. He trails behind me to the
driver’s side door. “Besides, when Mack returns to collect his belongings
from the barn, one of us should be present, and it’s most likely better that it
isn’t me.”
Kenny doesn’t even attempt to suppress his laughter.
“Sure, leave me to deal with him while making sure the rest of the guys
don’t stir up trouble.”
“Better you than me,” I shrug. Offering a swift wave over my shoulder,
I climb into my truck and head out.
In retrospect, it was for the best that I wasn’t around when Mack
showed up later, considering how furious with him I still am. It took us
three weeks to get a hold of him, and even then, all we got was a brief text
claiming he could explain everything. After disappearing on us again for
another couple of days, he called Kenny and said he intended to repay us
for the supplies before anyone noticed they were gone. Apparently, he’d
accumulated a significant gambling debt in the city.
I can’t recall a time when I heard Kenny yell as he did then. He was
upset that Mack didn’t come to us for help, but even more irate about him
selling our supplies, a sentiment shared by all our coworkers.
 At least with them, I knew their responses would be confined to verbal
venting. As for myself, I couldn’t stop envisioning punching Mack in the
face.
Considering I’ve only ever hit one person before in my entire life, I
didn’t want to risk causing actual harm. Even if he deserved it…
Shaking off these thoughts, I park alongside the fence and force myself
not to dwell on Mack’s betrayal.
As I move to grab supplies from my trunk, my gaze naturally gravitates
toward the cabin and I consider dropping by to see if she’s working from
home today.
Bri has been here for nearly three months and it’s evident the significant
influence she’s had on her parents’ winery. Hearing her talk about the
business is invigorating. She positively glows when she updates me about
her new hires or sponsors she’s secured. She even surprised me by
suggesting a partnership meeting between the farm and the winery.
It’s easy to admit that I’m falling hard for her. Hell, I’d be lying if I said
I hadn’t already fallen for her a bit at Christmas. Her presence over these
past few months and getting to genuinely know her has only deepened the
feelings that blossomed during those few days we spent together.
Sighing, I make myself get a couple hours of work in before heading
over to check on her. I try not to focus on the fact that seeing Bri is my self-
imposed reward. Considering this fence has been damaged since before I
left at Christmas, if it helps keep me focused, I’ll take it.
Running on autopilot, I retrieve the tools from my truck and head over
to the fence and get started.
Not only is this project more time-consuming because we were
swindled out of our supplies, but the damage to the fence was also more
extensive than anyone realized. In total, five sections need to be entirely
removed and replaced. After discussing with Ma and Tucker in passing, we
agreed to add a gate back here to make it easier to get between the
properties.
Since I insist on handling this task alone and can only allocate time once
or twice a week, it’s taken me over a month to dismantle and rebuild two
sections. Logically, I understand that what happened with Mack is unlikely
to recur. Nonetheless, even I can admit that this work provides another
excuse for me to see Bri more frequently.
 I let my mind wander while my hands and body operate from muscle
memory. After a couple of hours of work under the blistering sun, I pause
for a water break. Without thinking, I toss my shirt into the truck, grab my
father’s old Stetson to shield my eyes from the sun, and immediately return
to work.
Engrossed in my thoughts, I don’t notice Bri until she’s directly in front
of me on the other side of the fence with her arms crossed.
“Do you even own a shirt?”
It takes a moment for me to realize she’s frowning at me while I stand
grinning foolishly at her.
“Hey, Beautiful.” My smile fades when Bri narrows her eyes.
“Seriously?” she asks incredulously before spinning on her heel and
marching back toward her cabin.
Abandoning the shovel on the ground and peeling off my work gloves, I
rush after her. Catching up just as she’s about to step onto the back porch, I
call out.
“Hold up, Sugar.”
Her back stiffens, but she halts and waits for me. When I’m within
arm’s reach, I tentatively step up to her side and place my hand on her
lower back.
“What’s wrong?”
Bri closes her eyes with a heavy sigh, shaking her head in response.
Gently, I turn her to face me.
“Did I do something to upset you?” I ask, racking my brain for what I
did and how to fix it.
A shocking laugh spills from Bri’s lips and she finally opens her eyes.
She waves a hand at me, slowly dragging her gaze over my torso.
“That!” She shakes her head and motions toward her stomach. “And
this!”
My brows pinch together as I glance down at my body before looking
over her, not even bothering to hide my smile at the sight of the baby bump.
“I’m…sorry?”
She throws her hands in the air and drops her head back.
“Do you even know what you’re apologizing for?”
“No, I don’t.” I say honestly. “But if you tell me what I did and how to
make it better, I will do it in a heartbeat.”
 Bri groans, spinning away and moving to sit on the porch step. She
braces her elbows on her knees and drops her head in her hands.
I glance through her back door, spotting her water bottle on the kitchen
island and give her a moment to herself. Heading inside, I wash my hands
at the kitchen sink, using the paper towel to wipe off some of the sweat on
my chest, before refilling her water and making my way back to her.
Cautiously, I sit beside her. When she doesn’t tell me to go away, I place
her water on her other side, scoot closer and drape my arm over her
shoulder.
“Talk to me, Sugar.” I murmur, placing a kiss on top of her head and Bri
practically melts into me. My hand slips down her side so I can pull her
closer by the hip. Bri sighs, turning her head to rest against my shoulder and
places a palm on my thigh.
“You don’t have a shirt on,” she grumbles under her breath.
“I can get it from my truck if it bothers-”
“No!” She rushes out, her grip on my leg tightening to hold me in place.
“No, it’s just…” her voice trails off as she shakes her head.
“I can’t fix the problem if I don’t know what’s wrong,” I tell her gently.
“It’s not you. You did nothing wrong. It’s these damn hormones. Every
time I see you it’s an effort to not drag you back here so I can have my way
with you. Especially when you’re out there flaunting your muscles in the
sun with no fucking shirt on.”
My fingers on her hips flex and I shift slightly, hoping to not let on how
much her words affect me.
“Okay, so how can I help? Wear a shirt when working?” I ask while
thinking of all the other ways I could help relieve her stress.
Bri tips her head back to scowl up at me.
“Don’t you dare take away my view when you’re working. Your whole
sexy cowboy look out there is the star of most of my fantasies lately.”
“You have a cowboy fantasy?” I question, debating if I’d be willing to
wear my dad’s old hat in bed.
“No, I have a ‘you’ fantasy and sometimes you just happen to be
wearing a cowboy hat.”
Unable to control it, pride swells in my chest at the fact that she just
admitted to thinking about me.
Not wanting to get too distracted, I laugh and bend down to place a kiss
on her forehead.
 “So, what can I do to help then?”
Bri shakes her head and looks out over the field.
“Nothing,” she says on a heavy breath. “I’m just frustrated and have all
this pent up…energy.”
“Sabrina,” I reach down and tuck my knuckle under her chin, forcing
her to look at me. “I’m here for you. If that means you need me to make
you come…then fucking use me.”
Her mouth drops open with a gasp at my words.
Moving slowly, I slide my hand along the column of her neck and
further down to trace along the top of her breasts that spill from her dress.
Her tongue slides out, wetting her lips and begging me to claim them, all
while her warm eyes bounce between mine. She runs her hand up my ribs
before wrapping them around my side in an attempt to pull me closer.
“Say it, Sugar.” I demand, dipping my fingers under her spaghetti strap
and groan when I realize she’s not wearing a bra. Leaning forward, I tease a
kiss at the edge of her lips. When I pull back, her mouth follows after mine,
seeking more but I back away.
“You already know I’ll give you whatever you need. Everything I have
to offer is yours. Just say the word.”
Bri twists, closing the distance with a kiss that takes me by surprise. It’s
easy to indulge her for a few seconds, but when she attempts to deepen it, I
pull back. Her whimper turns to a beautiful moan when I place my hand at
the base of her neck. My thumb traces up along her pulse. Grinning at the
feel of her thudding heartbeat beneath my touch, I don’t miss the way her
thighs clench as I grin down at her.
“Noah,” she pants heavily, attempting to kiss me again but I hold her in
place.
“All you have to do is ask, Bri.” I remind her gently, moving until my
mouth hovers just out of reach for her.
“Fuck,” she gasps, her nails bite into my skin. “Noah, please. Make me
come.”
“Good girl,” I praise.
I’m on her in the next heartbeat, gently guiding her to lay back and
moving to kneel between her thighs. The gravel bites into my knees through
the jeans but I ignore it and focus on the sight before me.
Bri is propped up on her elbows, watching me through hooded lids. Her
breasts practically spill from her dress as she breathes heavily and I lick my
lips at the sight.
My hands slip up her thighs, pushing the dress up with them and baring
more of her perfect skin to me. When I get to her waist, I pause with a
groan.
“No underwear?” I glance up at her with a raised brow and a smirk.
An adorable blush stains her cheeks as she bites her bottom lip.
“None of them fit right and I forgot to get new ones at the store last
week,” she says with a shrug. “It’s part of the reason why I’ve been
working from home.”
I nod, grateful that she hasn’t been like this around anyone else, while
also relieved she’s bare for me. Sliding my hands down to the insides of her
thighs, I gently push them apart. Licking my lips, I tease two fingers along
the side of her glistening pussy.
Bri shifts her hips in frustration and utters a pleading noise.
“Don’t worry, Sugar. I won’t make you wait long,” I tell her, running
my fingers through her slit. “Just long enough for me to savor the taste of
you on my tongue.”
Bending down, I hook my arms around the back of her thighs and lift
both legs onto my shoulders. She gives up on resting on her elbows and
reclines on the porch. But all I can focus on is the sight before me as I dive
into her.
I run my tongue from back to front, unable to hold back the groan at the
deliciousness of her. “Fucking hell, Sugar. I will never get enough of you.”
If she tries to respond, I don’t hear it. I am lost in memorizing every
inch of her body. From the sounds she makes, the feel of her thighs beneath
my hands. She’s perfect.
Her heels dig into my back, urging me closer and not letting me go.
Wrapping my arm around her waist, I hold her steady with one hand and
use the other to caress her clit.
“Noah,” she gasps when I plunge my tongue inside her.
She tangles her fingers into my hair and moans again, and I am
consumed with adoring this woman. My arousal is almost unbearable,
pressing against my zipper, but I ignore it. Instead, the overwhelming desire
to touch every inch of Bri takes over. Reaching up, I pull down the top of
her dress, freeing her ample breasts and allowing me to massage one while
focusing on her clit with my other hand.
 Bri is the most beautiful addiction I have ever surrendered to. I was
foolish to think that five days with her would be enough when I fell for her
after just one night.
And now she is here, right next door, and even that doesn’t feel like it’s
enough. I will always crave more of her.
My name escapes her lips again and I chuckle.
“That’s it, let me hear you say my name with those delicious sounds,” I
murmur against her, circling over her clit with more pressure.
Her thighs tremble on my shoulders as she gasps and begs beneath me,
while I continue to devour her. When I plunge my tongue inside her again, I
gently pinch her nipple. Bri climaxes on my tongue with a beautiful moan
mixed with my name. I don’t stop until she loosens her grip in my hair and
pushes me away with light taps on my head.
Placing a tender kiss on the insides of her thighs, I carefully lower her
legs from my shoulders and help her lie down on the porch.
Bri breathes heavily, staring up at me with a grin.
“So, remind me what I have to say to get you to do that again?”
I laugh and shake my head, lying down beside her.
“Sugar, you never have to ask.” I bend down to kiss her shoulder. “I’m
yours. Orgasms and all.”

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 SABRINA

“Q uinn, how do you feel about conducting tours for the event space
and catering?” I ask.
“I feel confident. I’ve shadowed Ma during all the recent ones,
and we have another one scheduled for tomorrow,” she replies without
hesitation.
I tilt my head to glance past her and raise an eyebrow at my mother.
“Yes, yes,” Ma responds in a huff. “I’ll let her take the lead on this one,
assisting only if necessary.”
I nod and blow her a kiss before returning my focus to Quinn.
“Great, I thought it would be beneficial to have you showcase the event
space to Mr. Henderson next week.”
“Me?” She questions cautiously, and I nod, glancing down at my
clipboard as if this isn’t a significant responsibility for her.
“The best way to convince someone like him to invest here is to
demonstrate that he can trust us completely. He’ll expect me to paint a
pretty picture and provide all the necessary details. But showing that our
staff can do the same? Even better. I want him to realize that in case my
family or I need to take time off,” I pause, running my free hand over my
stomach and smiling at Ma again. “Those we leave in charge can
competently handle the business.”
Quinn simply stares at me, a wide grin spreading across her face as she
nods excitedly. I nudge her lightly with my shoulder.
“You don’t need to suppress your excitement.”
 Immediately she lets out a surprised squeal and does a little celebratory
dance. I can’t help but smile at her joy and the fact that she’s fit in so
perfectly here.
My parents were initially hesitant about hiring her, given their previous
experiences with managerial hires for the winery. They have a fantastic
hourly staff, but finding a local individual capable of overseeing things was
challenging—mostly due to our local hiring pool being populated mainly by
teenagers too young to serve alcohol or retirees looking for part-time work.
Hiring Quinn proved to be an excellent decision. Ma offered her the job
before we had even concluded the interview, without consulting my father
first. Fortunately, he agreed with Ma’s choice.
Ma helped Quinn find an apartment to rent in town, made Pa and
Tommy help her move in the following week. Then she began training her.
If I didn’t trust that she knew what she was doing, I wouldn’t have
mentioned her leading part of the visit at all and done it myself.
After a few more seconds of celebrating, Quinn takes a deep breath and
regains her composure.
She smooths her dark curls back into place before refocusing on me. “If
it’s alright with you, I’d like to have the folders and space set up for a walk
through the day before Mr. Henderson arrives. That way we can do a
practice walk through,” Quinn suggests, still smiling. “Not because I don’t
think I can handle it, but because I want to be thoroughly prepared.”
“Of course,” I respond, turning to silently confirm with a nod from Ma
before continuing. “I’ll compile my notes and email them to you this week
for you to review.”
We manage to cover most of my list of business points and do our
weekly walk through of the tasting room before Ma interjects.
“Alright, can you sit down now?” She pulls out a chair and gestures
toward it.
I roll my eyes but do as she asks, considering I’ve been on my feet all
day and the doctor advised me to start taking it easy at my appointment last
week. Noah took this advice very seriously; he doesn’t even want me
standing up to get a glass of water when he’s around.
I suppress a sigh of relief as I take the weight off my feet, not wanting
her to see how much they were bothering me. “Okay, the last thing we need
to discuss before we wrap up is…”
I glance down at my list, but Ma answers for me.
 “Wine Wednesday is tomorrow!”
I bite back my laugh at her enthusiasm. Wednesday is Mom’s favorite
day of the week, thanks to half-priced wine glasses and live music.
“Right, have either of you checked with the kitchen staff to make sure
they’re prepared for the specials menu tomorrow?”
She nods, placing a foil-wrapped glass container next to my elbow as
she answers. “Yes, Andrew said this might be his best week yet!”
I smirk, catching Quinn trying to hide her own smile. Neither of us
mentions that our head chef Andrew makes that same claim every week.
“Perfect, and what’s this?” I ask, pointing to the container.
“My banana bread,” she says while taking a seat next to me.
I narrow my eyes. “What do you want?”
Ma grins mischievously. “I want Noah and Connor to come tomorrow
night.”
“Okay,” I agree, reaching for my phone on my clipboard. “I can text
Noah⁠—”
“Or,” Ma interjects, “you could bring him the banana bread and ask in
person.”
Quinn coughs and mutters something about checking an order before
hastily leaving the tasting room.
I see right through my mom’s scheme. “And this wouldn’t be an attempt
to meddle in my life… would it?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she responds, picking at an
imaginary piece of lint on her sleeve.
“We all see through your banana bread bribe, Ma. You only make it
when you want something.”
Ma rests her chin in her hand, propped up on her elbow on the table. “I
made their father a promise to check in on them,” she says, with a sad smile
on her face. “Nicolas Dawson was a good man; you would have liked him.
He used to bring his boys and AJ over once a week for Wine Wednesdays
and have dinner with us. He knew they needed a break from work and
wouldn’t do it on their own.” She sighs, shaking her head.
“Without him, they’ve lost themselves in their work. Connor and AJ are
slightly better since they live in town and can grab a beer, but Noah…” Ma
huffs a half laugh, causing my chest to tighten. “That man threw himself so
deeply into work that I don’t think he knew what month it was until you
showed up.”
 My cheeks flush at her comment, and I lower my gaze to the bread
beside me.
“I tried to check in on them or sent Tucker and Tommy to help. But let
me tell you,” she says theatrically, “Nicolas warned me how stubborn they
could be, but it was like pulling teeth just to get those two to come to dinner
when you arrived in town.”
Playfully, I swat her hand away, but she catches mine and rests our
clasped hands on the table between us. She gazes out the glass windows at
the back of the tasting room overlooking the vineyard.
After a minute, something clicks in my head. “Wait, you were close
with their dad?”
She nods with a soft smile and glances at me.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’m gonna take a wild guess that Noah’s
vacation coinciding exactly with mine over the holidays wasn’t a
coincidence?”
Ma laughs heartily, finally releasing my hand and standing from her
seat. “I simply told Nicolas your plans and where you were going,” she
points to the bread. “You’ll invite them for me?”
“Yeah, Ma,” I reply, holding back laughter at the scheme she played a
part in and allowing her to change the subject. “I’ll head over to Noah’s
now and ask.”
She gives me a peck on the cheek before heading toward the kitchen,
likely to chat with Andrew for the next hour before Pa comes to take her
home.
Gathering my things and the bread, I head to my office to grab my purse
and head out for the day.
Since the weather has been warming, I’ve been walking from the cabin
on days when I need to work at the winery. The walk to and from work
helps me gather my thoughts or unwind for the day, despite my aching feet
some days. Usually, I carry a cardigan because even if it’s seventy-five
degrees, I tend to feel chilly at some point. However, this morning I was in
a rush and forgot one.
Now, as I take a detour to Noah’s place with a slight breeze picking up,
I regret not going back for it. But I distract myself from the chill by pulling
out my phone and noting down my latest baby name idea.
It isn’t until I’m approaching his house that I wonder if I should have
texted him first. He usually visits me at the end of every day to hang out
and pick up Rosie, so this is the first time I’ve come to his place.
Squaring my shoulders, I remind myself he’s given me an open
invitation to stop by whenever and continue up his porch to ring the
doorbell. His faint “one minute” echoes from behind the door. As I turn
away and look down the road toward one of the barns, I take a few deep
breaths to calm my racing heart.
At the sound of the door opening behind me, I smile and turn around.
“Hey, I hope it’s okay that…” My words fail and my mouth hangs open
at the sight of Noah in nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.

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 NOAH

B ri’s jaw drops open, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks as she
stares unabashedly at my bare chest.
Tightening my grip on the towel around my waist, I barely
suppress a smirk. “Hey, Sugar.”
Bri manages to close her mouth, shaking her head as she drags her gaze
up to my face.
“Do you usually answer the door in nothing but a towel?”
“No, this is actually a first,” I admit. “Honestly, I assumed you were
Connor, finally respecting my request to not just barge in.”
She looks down at the glass dish in her hand.
“Told Ma that I should have just texted you,” she mumbles to herself.
I shake my head, stepping back and motioning for her to come in. “I’ll
always prefer seeing you over receiving a text message.”
She steps into my entryway.
Unable to resist, I lean close enough to whisper in her ear before she can
pass me. “Besides, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”
She shivers and spins to face me. As if it were a bright red banner, her
blush has creeped down from her cheeks and is now visible on her neck and
chest, pleading for my attention.
“Ma made you banana bread,” Bri blurts out, shoving the container
toward me before quickly yanking it back. “Sorry, um, I can just put it in
your kitchen and come back later.”
 I can’t help but chuckle. “Or you could put it in the kitchen and give me
a minute to throw some pants on. Then you can tell me the real reason Ma
sent you here.
Bri nods, spinning on her heel and rushing into the kitchen.
I take the stairs two at a time, swiftly swapping my towel for a pair of
sweatpants and head back down stairs.
Seeing Bri sitting at my kitchen table makes me pause for a moment
before announcing my presence. She looks beautiful, as she always does,
but this is more than that.
My heart pounds at the thought of how right she looks in my house.
With the glow from the setting sun shining across her face through the
windows, I vow to do whatever it takes to make this a daily sight. More
than that, I will do whatever it takes to keep her happy and with me.
I clear my throat and she whirls around in surprise.
“I didn’t even hear you come down,” she says biting her bottom lip and
mumbles her next words, but I catch them. “And without a shirt.”
She stands up from the table and walks towards me, stopping just a few
feet away. “Would you like to join us for Wine Wednesday at the winery
tomorrow?”
I nod. “I take it Ma asked for Connor to come as well?”
Bri grins sheepishly. “Yes, she did.”
“And what about you?” I ask, stepping closer and noticing the way her
breath catches.
“Me?” she echoes breathlessly.
“Do you want me to come?”
“Yes.” She answers immediately, but I see the moment the innuendo
registers. “I mean, I… um,” she stammers but doesn’t correct herself.
I gently reach out and caress her face, running my thumb over her
cheek.
“Can I kiss you, Sugar?”
She wets her lips with her tongue. “You don’t have to ask.”
Gripping her hip with my free hand, I pull her as close as our bodies
allow.
“I don’t want to assume,” I tell her. “But good to know for next time.”
The second our lips meet, any intentions I had to keep things sweet fly
out the window. Bri moans beautifully against me, sliding her hands up
along my bare chest and around my neck. She leans into me, fingers
knotting in the hair at the base of my skull and holding me to her.
Without breaking the kiss, my hands glide down her perfect curves.
Only when I reach the baby bump do I finally break the kiss so that I can
look down between us.
I don’t say anything as I sink to my knees in front of her before looking
up at her. Bri stares down at me through heavy lids, biting her plump
bottom lip.
“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” I don’t wait for a
response, instead lifting her shirt and gently kissing her stomach. “You’re
not only the star of all my dreams and fantasies, but you’re so much more.”
My fingers trace along her sides, playing with the edges of her leggings
as I bend to kiss her stomach once more before continuing.
“You truly are the most incredible woman I have ever met, and I can’t
wait to raise our child together.”
Tears line her eyes. “Do you know how strange it is to be both
emotional and aroused?” She shakes her head, reaching up to wipe away
her tears. “I can handle being one or the other, but both? It’s literally hell.”
Laughing, I stand to my feet and lean in to kiss the corner of her lips.
“Well, I can help you with one of those issues.”
Bri’s hands find the waistband of my pants and she pulls me towards
her. “What are you waiting for then?” she asks coyly while palming my
cock over my sweats.
“Permission,” I groan out as she tightens her grip around me.
“Granted,” she says, reaching up to pull me in by the neck. “Please.”
I move quickly, scooping her into my arms and leaving the kitchen
before she can finish her squeal of surprise.
“Noah!” She shifts, wiggling in my arms but I only tighten my hold and
head up the stairs. “I can walk on my own, I’ve gained⁠—”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, Bri,” I interrupt her, turning down
the hallway and heading straight for my bedroom. “Were you not listening
to anything I said downstairs?”
I lay her on my bed, positioning myself between her legs. “Or do I need
to show you just how fucking perfect you are?”
“I didn’t disagree with what you said,” she sasses between deep breaths.
“I was just pointing out that I’m carrying some extra weight.”
 Hooking my fingers into her pants, I slowly tug them down. She lifts
her hips, and I pause. Bri groans, pushing up to her elbows to look down at
me as I smirk.
“That extra weight is your body doing something extraordinary and
carrying our son,” I continue removing her pants and underwear, not
looking away from her as I toss them over my shoulder. “Trust me when I
say that I can handle you. Pregnant or not.”
I kiss her ankle, then further up on her knee and thigh. She squirms,
widening her legs as if inviting me to continue. Instead, I place a knee
between her thighs and move up the length of her body until I can kiss her.
She whimpers, kissing me back as she pushes off my pants and I pull away.
“There will be time for that, but first,” I slip a hand under her waist,
dragging her up the bed before twisting us both until she’s on top of me.
“It’s been too long since I last tasted you.”
Grabbing both her hips, I guide her up my chest but Bri holds herself
over my ribs. When I look up at her, I find her attention locked on my
nightstand. I don’t have to follow her gaze to know what she’s spotted.
“You took it,” she whispers, tears spilling as she stares at the perfect
seashell that I had used as a makeshift tree topper. Squeezing her thighs, I
wait until she looks back down at me.
“It’s my daily reminder of you. The first thing I see every day is a
reminder that you’re real, somewhere out there.”
She opens her mouth but I turn my face and kiss the inside of her thigh.
“Now it’s my daily motivation to be the best version of me for you and our
son.”
Tightening my grip on her thighs, I tug her towards me again, grateful
when she lets me guide her until she’s hovering over my face.
“I meant what I said, Sugar,” I tell her while pulling her down. “I can
handle you. So sit on my face and let me worship you.”
Bri moans, grabbing the headboard and listens. A groan rumbles from
my chest and I lose myself in her. Tasting and teasing every inch of her
while she writhes above me, grinding and taking her pleasure.
My body aches for her touch, longing to be inside of her, but for now, I
focus on pleasuring her.
“Noah,” she pleads, her voice clouded with passion.
My tongue explores her, eliciting beautiful sounds of pleasure. With my
arms still wrapped around her legs, I continue to coax her toward the edge
of ecstasy, finding her most sensitive spot.
A gasp escapes her lips, quickly followed by a curse. Her movements
become more urgent.
“Noah, I’m gonna…oh!” Bri sits upright, hastily removing her shirt
before leaning forward to brace herself on the headboard. I reach up with
my free hand, teasing her sensitive nipple. Her legs tremble as I intensify
my efforts.
With the next thrust of my tongue and a twist of her nipple, she comes
apart beautifully on my tongue. I help her ride out the waves of pleasure
and savor every moment. Clinging to me, she gently pushes my head back
into the mattress.
She slides down my body and collapses on top of me as I hold her close.
Bri kisses my shoulder and squirms over my hard cock and groans in
frustration.
“I still…” she pauses, trailing a hand down my ribs and moving swiftly
to shove my pants down. “I just came and yet I still need more of you.”
Her words fill me with pride, knowing that she desires me just as
intensely as I do her.
With my arms around her waist, I flip us once more. I hurriedly discard
my clothes before finding my place between her legs again. Holding one of
her legs against my hip, I tease us both and slide the head of my cock
through her wet pussy.
“Please, Noah.” Bri’s hands clutch at my sides, urging me on.
I enter her slowly, and a curse leaves my lips at the feeling of her
tightness.
“You were made for me.” I leisurely thrust into her.
“Noah. If you don’t stop teasing me like this, I swear on my love for
peanut butter pie, I will make your life hell.”
With a smirk, I tighten my hold on her thigh and slam into her.
She cries out, the sound morphing into a pleased moan as she nods.
“No need to swear on anything; I will always give you what you want.”
Before Bri can respond, I give her exactly what she asked for.. I fuck
her without holding back, sliding my length nearly all the way out before
slamming back into her. We get lost in each other, in the rhythm of our
bodies meeting and begging for more.
“Such a good girl,” I praise and bend down to kiss her. “Taking
everything I give you so perfectly.”
 Her body quivers around me as she moans my name repeatedly.
“You look so beautiful.” My pace remains steady as I tilt her hips,
fucking her until she’s climbing toward another climax. “That’s it. Let go
for me, Sugar.”
Bri cries out with her release, her back arching off the bed. A few more
thrusts and I follow suit, collapsing beside her as we catch our breaths.
Keeping her in my arms, I brush her hair from her face and kiss her
forehead.
“Stay the night?” I ask, not ready for this intimate moment to end.
Bri nods, snuggling closer into my chest with a contented sigh. “I don’t
think my legs could work if I tried.”
I can’t help but smirk at that comment. “New goal—make it so you
can’t walk at all. That way you can’t ever leave.”
“Yeah, cause that doesn’t at all make you sound like a kidnapper.” She
playfully pushes me away but makes no real effort to move. Instead, we
settle into easy conversation as we share each other’s warmth.

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 NOAH

M y senses are brought to life as the sweet scent of apples wafts

through my nostrils and Bri’s warmth radiates next to me. I hold
her tightly against my side, my hand resting on her stomach
where our baby grows.
She stirs in her sleep as I kiss her forehead and tenderly caress her
bump, trying to lull myself back to sleep. But my peaceful moment is
rudely interrupted by the loud vibration of my phone.
I reluctantly open my eyes, letting them adjust to the darkness of the
room. My brain finally catches up to the source of the noise and I fumble
around for my phone on the nightstand.
After unplugging it and squinting at the blinding screen, I see that
Kenny has sent me a text along with several other unread messages and two
missed calls. Since it’s just after four in the morning, and that Kenny is
rarely up before his alarm, I don’t hesitate to see what he needs.

12:30 am
Kenny:
You think that storm in the forecast is actually gonna hit us?

A nother came in a few minutes later.

12:33 am
 Kenny:
Think you could pop out and make sure the guys put everything
away and locked up the barns just in case?

H e was silent for another hour until he called twice and sent the final
couple texts five minutes ago.

4:20 am
Kenny:
Radar shows the storm going right through us now.

4:25 am
Kenny:
Assuming you’re either passed out from drinks with Con or from
spending time with that new neighbor. I’m hopping in my truck now to
head over and help secure everything.

S hit .

I gingerly slip my arm out from under her, careful not to wake her.
Standing on the cool, wooden floor, I glance back over my shoulder to
check on Bri and stifle a laugh. She clings to my pillow, curling around it
and snuggling deeper into it. I pull the blanket up and tuck her in before
quietly heading to get dressed.
As I head downstairs, the howling wind rattles against the house. I
quickly text Kenny that I’ll meet him at the main barn.

“A lright ,” Kenny says as we finish transferring miscellaneous tools into

the barn. “All that’s left is checkin’ that the animal barn is locked.”
 I nod, surveying the random tools forgotten overnight. The assortment
isn’t large, but considering there’s never anything left out when Kenny or I
are the last to leave, it’s unusual to find this much equipment now. This
means we’ll need to check the logs and speak with whoever was last to
leave yesterday.
I run a hand down my face, glancing towards my house. All I want is to
crawl back into bed with Bri and lay around until the storm passes.
For just over an hour, Kenny and I have been tidying up after
yesterday’s crew. Given the amount of equipment that was left outside, we
had to verify that everything was properly locked up at the storefront.
“So, I take it the new neighbor kept you up?” he teases, drawing my
attention back to him as he fumbles with his keys.
“Her name is Sabrina,” I confess, a smile playing on my lips. “We’re
expecting a baby. A boy.”
While I haven’t intentionally kept it a secret, this is the first time I’ve
shared the news beyond my brother and AJ.
“No shit.” Kenny responds, stepping up next to me for a congratulatory
hug complete with a hearty pat on the back. “Congratulations, Daddy.”
“Dude,” I groan and shove him away. “Please don’t ever call me that
again.”
Kenny grins, keeping his arm draped over my shoulder as he steers me
towards the barn door.
“I don’t know man, Daddy Noah has a certain ring to it.”
I jab him playfully in the side with my elbow, causing him to release his
grip.
“No, just no.” Despite my protest, I can’t suppress the delighted grin
spreading across my face.
As we open the door, my smile fades when a flash illuminates the sky
and the rain begins to fall. Kenny steps up beside me, bumping me with his
shoulder and gesturing towards my house.
“Why don’t you head back? I’ll check on the animals and text you when
it’s all clear.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, already stepping into the rain and making my
way home.
“Yeah. Go get some snuggles, Daddy,” Kenny teases, shutting and
locking the barn door behind him.
 I hold up my middle finger over my shoulder as I jog towards my house.
Despite the oncoming storm and sleep disruption, I’m still excited at the
thought of rejoining Bri in bed.
Entering as quietly as possible, I hang my coat and line my wet boots by
the door before heading upstairs.
My joyful anticipation shifts to confusion, a sense of dread settling
heavily in my stomach when I find my bedroom empty.
After a futile search in the bathroom, I scour the house for Bri, only to
be met with the stark realization that I’m alone.
Before I can think about it further, my phone buzzes with a message in
my pocket. My heart leaps as I pull it out, hoping for an explanation from
Bri—but disappointment sets in when I see Kenny’s name instead.
With a sigh, I open his message and frown.

K enny :
Rosie’s not in here, gonna head out and look for her.

T he realization hits me like a ton of bricks.

Bri walked over here after work last night. But for the past few months,
it’s always been me walking to Bri’s before sunset and returning with Rosie.
I hastily slip on my boots and frantically send another text.

Me:
I know where she is. Stay at the barn and expect her back in 15
minutes.

I don ’ t bother explaining why I won’t be with her as I head out toward
the cabin just as another rumble of thunder rolls through the early morning.
Since Bri isn’t in my bed, I’m not coming back until I know she’s safe and
why she left me.

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 SABRINA

T his isn’t happening again.

Clinging to the pillow, I resist the urge to open my eyes and
delay the inevitable confirmation that I’m alone. But the longer I
deny it, the more vividly I replay the sensation of waking up in an empty
bungalow six months ago.
Drawing a deep breath, I inhale the lingering woodsy scent of his
cologne on the pillow and reassure myself that this time is different. Noah
has to return; after all, I am in his bed.
Yet, the sting of his absence resonates within me, unearthing old
wounds I thought I had moved on from.
Sitting up, I clutch the blanket to my chest and remind myself that this
situation is unlike the previous one. However, as I gaze at the empty spot
beside me, I cannot stop the nagging insecurities at the back of my mind.
Unease rolls in my stomach as I gently rub my swollen belly. If he
decides to leave again, it won’t just affect me.
I groan, hating the rampant doubt that festers within me. The struggle
between emotion and logic vying for dominance in your mind is
challenging. Even if you can view a situation logically, it doesn’t
immediately erase hurt, fear, or uncertainty.
Knowing that sitting alone in a dark room won’t help anything, I force
myself out of the bed and find my clothes. Sleep is elusive, and waiting for
Noah’s return is not an option.
Hell, I have no idea when he’ll even be back.
 After throwing on yesterday’s clothes, I head downstairs in search of
my phone and purse. I linger in his entryway, briefly wondering if I’m
being irrational but ultimately knowing I need to get out of here. Opening
his front door, a strong wind gust greets me. Instantly retreating into his
entryway, I decide to borrow one of his flannels hanging by the door before
venturing out again.
Wrapping myself tightly in Noah’s flannel and inhaling its familiar
scent, I mutter under my breath, cursing both the impending storm and my
hasty departure. It’s not even six in the morning, and I’ve already managed
to flee like a scaredy cat rather than confront my fears.
Once I reach the cabin, I’ll send Noah a text letting him know. Then, I’ll
muster up the courage to explain why I left. Neither of us have mentioned
his prior departure, and until this morning, I thought I was fine with that.
Clearly, I was wrong.
What’s transpiring between us is more profound than just a casual fling
or impending parenthood. It’s something we need to actually discuss.
There’s no doubt in my mind that six months ago, during our four-day
rendezvous, my feelings for Noah began to bloom. These past few months
of spending time together have only deepened those emotions.
However, it’s not just about me anymore.
If we can’t have an open conversation about this, how will we
communicate about our child?
A distant rumble of thunder quickens my pace. By the time I reach the
crest of the hill and the cabin comes into view, I’m panting and regretting
my decision to leave. My daily walks to and from the winery clearly
haven’t prepared me for this trek. Although, in my defense, the path on my
parents’ property is flat.
The sudden flash of lightning illuminates the sky, startling a scream
from me. The sky opens up almost immediately afterwards, urging me to
quicken my pace. As I approach the fence, something stirs, nearly causing
me to lose my footing.
“Oh my god,” I gasp, instinctively rushing closer before remembering
to slow down at the last minute.
Rosie neighs, rearing up as much as she can before snorting at me.
“How long have you been out here?” I ask Rosie calmly, hoping it will
help calm her enough to let me get closer.
 She responds with a huff, dramatically shaking her head and pulling
back again.
From what I can see, some of the replacement posts have fallen, and her
lead must have gotten caught when she tried to pass through.
“It’s okay. I’m here,” I attempt to soothe her over the sound of the rain.
I hadn’t considered that Rosie would be here when I decided to stay at
Noah’s last night, even though she has been here every day for the past
couple of months.
“I’m so sorry,” I tell her.
I step closer, but she flinches again. When I move away to give her
some space, I stumble into the fence beside me. Wiping my soaking wet
hair from my face, I sigh and glance towards the cabin.
At this point, my clothes are completely soaked through. The darkness
and mud make everything slippery. Adding a frightened horse into the mix?
I’m nowhere near capable of helping her without risking being trampled on
in the process.
The fence isn’t very high, so although I don’t think it’s safe to slip past
Rosie through the broken section, climbing shouldn’t be an issue.
Shifting my purse around my shoulder, silently praying it’s keeping my
phone dry, I reach for the fence and lift my foot. Stepping onto the bottom
horizontal post, I test my weight and make sure my shoe won’t slip. Taking
into account that it’s been years since I climbed a fence and considering my
drenched clothes and baby bump, I think I’m doing good.
That is until I’m on the verge of pulling myself up to swing my leg over
the top when suddenly a voice yells from directly behind me. “What the
hell are you doing?” Noah yells over the rain, causing me to yelp in
surprise.
I scramble to maintain my hold as I tumble backwards, but it’s futile.
Before I even have time to brace myself for impact with the ground, Noah
catches me with a grunt. It’s far from a graceful fall; I don’t land perfectly
cradled in his arms as one might see in a movie scene. Instead, it’s a crash
landing: one of his arms ends up between my legs while the back of my
head collides with his face. His other arm holds me close to him. If anyone
were to see us, we must look like a parent struggling to restrain a flailing
toddler.
Noah stumbles back but ultimately steadies us, cursing under his breath.
He lowers my feet to the ground, removing his arm from between my legs
and helping me turn to face him. The headlights from his truck cut through
the rain, illuminating his face.
“Why were you climbing the fence in the rain?” Noah asks through
gritted teeth.
I bristle at his tone and point at our horse. “Rosie’s stuck.”
“So you climbed a fence? What if you fell and something happened to
you or the baby?” he asks.
I narrow my eyes at him. “I was managing just fine until you scared the
shit out of me.”
Noah pinches the bridge of his nose and sucks in a deep breath. “You
shouldn’t be climbing fences in the middle of a storm, especially not six
months pregnant.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I resist the urge to shiver as the wind
picks up. “I wasn’t rock climbing without a harness. It was either this or get
too close to a frightened horse and risk getting crushed. I knew what I was
doing.”
I clench my fists and hide them under my arms. He doesn’t have the
right to chastise me for this, especially when it’s his farm staff’s negligence
that left Rosie unaccounted for.
Noah mumbles something under his breath but turns his attention to
Rosie.
She huffs at him, attempting to free herself.
I watch with fascination as Noah relaxes, raising his hands in the air and
murmuring soothing words to her. She calms down, allowing him to place a
hand on her nose while he reaches for her reins with his other hand.
He makes it look easy as he untangles her and keeps her calm enough to
lead away from the fence. Without looking back at me, Noah guides her
towards his truck and releases her.
With a soft tap on her rear, he directs her towards the farm and Rosie
bolts off.
He opens his truck door, reaching in for something, but I turn away.
Shaking my head, I step through the opening in the fence and start towards
the cabin.
“Where are you going?” Noah calls out after me.
Without turning around, I reply, “I’m getting out of the rain before I
catch a damn cold!”
 His heavy, wet footsteps follow behind me, closing the distance until we
reach the cabin together. We remain silent while I rummage through my
purse for my keys, relieved to find them dry.
Once inside, I toss my belongings onto the kitchen island and
immediately shrug off the sodden flannel shirt, and finally look at Noah.
“I borrowed this,” I say, gesturing towards the shirt. “I’ll wash and dry
it before giving it back to you.” I walk around the island and drape it over
the back of one of the stools.
Noah just stares at me, the silence between us stretching long enough to
make me uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry I took it without asking. It wasn’t this cold yesterd⁠—”
“What were you even doing out there?” He interrupts, crossing his arms
and watching me from across the room.
“I told you,” I reply defensively. “Rosie was stuck and I didn’t think I
should approach her while she was scared. I was going to text you once I
was inside to ask you to come get her.”
He shakes his head. “No, I mean, why were you even here?”
Before I can answer, he continues, “You shouldn’t have even been
outside! Let alone climbing a fence and putting both you and the baby in
danger.”
“I was fine. I had everything under control,” I reply tersely, anger rising
within me at his insinuation that I was intentionally putting myself at risk.
“But what if something had happened and I wasn’t already on my way
to find you?”
“Noah—”
“You were safe in my bed! That’s where I thought you were. I don’t
understand why you left!”
Frustration simmers in my chest and I let out an exasperated groan.
“You weren’t there when I woke up!”

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 NOAH

“Y ou weren’t there when I woke up!” she exclaims, slamming her

hand down on the counter.
Shaking my head, I gesture towards the door. “There was a
storm rolling in! I had to help⁠—”
“I’m not talking about this morning, Noah!”
A silence descends between us as I stare at her, trying to decipher her
words.
Bri sighs, distancing herself from the counter and pacing along its
length as she absentmindedly rubs her stomach. “I’m referring to your
disappearance the day after Christmas.” Her head shakes, tears pooling in
her eyes as she continues. “Waking up this morning to find you gone just
reminded me of that. I needed to get out of the empty house and find some
space to clear my head.”
Pausing, she finally halts her pacing and leans on the countertop for
support before continuing in a whisper. “I’ve tried to ignore it, to forget
how it felt to discover you had left in the middle of the night. But…”
She inhales a shuddering breath before continuing. “It hurt, Noah.
Granted, we barely knew each other, but it doesn’t change the fact that I had
started falling for you.”
Brushing wet hair from her face, she finally looks at me.
My chest constricts painfully at the sight of tears rolling down her
cheeks.
 “I wasn’t acting rashly or without considering myself or the baby. I’m
capable of taking care of myself,” she states with a pained chuckle and a
shrug. “If it weren’t for the random coincidence that you live behind my
parents’ vineyard, I would be handling all this alone.”
I blink at her, struggling to find the words to say. Questions about why
she would choose to have the baby alone, why she wouldn’t simply call…
Suddenly, it all clicks into place.
The conversation I overheard a while ago between her and her mother
comes rushing back causing my breath to hitch.
“Not that I’ve even had a second to pick up the book I’ve been reading
since Christmas.”
Staring at Sabrina now, everything falls into place. Like the final piece
of a jigsaw puzzle, I can now see the whole picture.
The walls she’s erected, her reluctance to let me in. Her not having my
number saved in her phone. It all only makes sense if…
“You never opened the book,” I whisper. Yet in the silence of the cabin,
with only the heavy rain beating against the roof, it feels as though I’ve
shouted.
Sabrina’s brows furrow in confusion, and she throws up her hands in a
gesture of exasperation as she looks at me as though I’ve lost my mind.
“What the hell are you talking about, Noah?”
Looking past her, I quickly check the cabin. Spotting the bookcase, I
cross the room in an instant.
She doesn’t know I tried.
“What are you doing? We were in the middle of something!” she
protests. Frustration resonates clearly in her tone, but for now, I ignore it.
I can’t continue arguing with her when she doesn’t have the full picture.
She’s hurt. Worse still is that, unintentionally or not, I’m the cause of
her pain.
Sabrina believes that I abandoned her.
Then she discovered she was pregnant and believed she was facing that
alone too. I recall her panic after we discovered the baby is a boy, how she
hadn’t allowed herself time to process anything because she felt alone.
My chest tightens further, and it takes all my effort to concentrate on
searching through the bookcase.
Wander Whitlock, Willow Winslet, Whitney…
 Shifting my focus to the Whitney West shelf, I read all the titles once.
Then twice, and a third time. My teeth gnash in frustration as I look through
the shelf one last time, still failing to find the book.
“Noah!” Sabrina calls out. I finally turn to answer her, but my attention
is caught by her bedroom door down the hall.
Without a moment’s hesitation, I cross the room, with Sabrina following
closely and demanding an explanation. I open her door, immediately
launching into a search. She catches up to me, grabs my wrist and tries to
lead me back to the living room.
However, my gaze is already locked on what I’ve been looking for.
“This is my room! You can’t just…”
“You didn’t open the book!” I interrupt more loudly than intended,
causing her to release my wrist with a startled gasp. Sighing, I don’t look
back at her as I cross her room to the nightstand. My heart pounds in my
chest as I stop beside her bed and stare at the book.
Picking up her copy of Always, Madly by Whitney West, I glance at the
top of the pages where the note remains tucked in with her bookmark.
I turn to face her then, the tightness in my chest transforming into a
stabbing pain as I take in her tear-streaked eyes.
Her heavy breathing causes her chest to rise and fall rapidly. It’s a
struggle to keep my gaze from dropping from her eyes to her perfect form;
those tantalizing dips and curves serve as a reminder of how she feels in my
hands. The fact that she is carrying our child with such strength…
Holding her gaze, I extend the book towards her.
“I haven’t had time to read, Noah. Life’s been kicking my ass and
throwing curve balls at me ever since…” she trails off, crossing her arms
and scowling at me.
I understand what she means, though. Since our Christmas vacation, her
life has been a constant whirlwind of changes.
“Besides, my reading habits have nothing to do with the conversation
we were in the middle of,” she grumbles.
At the time, I believed my idea was brilliant. Even adorable.
But now I wish I had left the note out in the open or pushed past my fear
and woken her up.
“Open the book, Bri,” I plead.
Upon hearing the name she introduced herself by during vacation, a
name no one else uses, her entire body relaxes. Her features soften as she
searches my gaze. She lowers her arms and mutters under her breath before
crossing the room to snatch the book from me.
“I don’t understand what is so important about my book that you had to
interrupt our argument…” Her eyes dart between the open pages and me
before settling on the note and pointing at it. “What’s this?” she asks,
shaking her head.
Ignoring our wet clothes, I guide her to sit beside me on the edge of the
bed. Under any other circumstance, I would insist she take a warm shower
and change into dry clothes first.
“Read it.”
If she wants to continue arguing after that, I’m willing to let her vent
until everything that needs to be said lies between us. Once there are no
more barriers, I’ll kneel before her and start picking up the pieces to mend
us.
Deep down, I know this note changes everything.
I regret leaving such an essential part of me to chance, hoping she’d
have time to read it after vacation.
I watch as Bri shakily plucks the note from the pages and sets the book
beside her on the bed. Her free hand flies to her mouth, failing to suppress a
pained gasp as she shakes her head.
I reach for her, tucking a strand of wet hair behind her ear before trailing
a finger along her jawline and tilting her face towards me. Tears stream
freely down her cheeks.
“Connor called me that night,” I begin. “He told me I needed to come
home because our dad was…” I clear my throat, unable to confront that
pain on top of everything happening between us. “I was so focused on
getting home that leaving a note seemed like the best idea.”
Cupping her cheek in my palm, I wipe her tears away with my thumb.
“I was too afraid to face you because the idea of you rejecting me was
too overwhelming, considering everything else that was happening. So, I
left the note, putting the ball in your court and convincing myself that I
would be okay with whatever you decided.”
I lean in, pressing our foreheads together. “Except, it turns out I wasn’t
okay with ‘whatever.’ When you didn’t call or text… it hurt so much, I just
shut down and buried myself in work.”
“I would have called,” she says softly, reaching up to place her cool
hand on my cheek. “If I had known that I had your number, I would have
called you the moment I could have.”
Closing my eyes, I pull back to plant a kiss on her forehead.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper against her skin. “I’m so sorry that I assumed you
would open the book.”
“You wanted me?” She asks quietly.
“Sugar,” I reply. “I wanted you then, and I still do.” I pause, inhaling
deeply before continuing. “I fell for you in just a few days. Even after three
months apart, the moment I saw your face again, I knew nothing could
change that.”
“Ever since I got here and realized what was happening, there’s always
been this thought in the back of my head that the only reason we were
getting closer was because of the baby.”
Before she finishes her sentence, I shake my head and move to kneel on
the floor between her knees.
“The moment I had you back in my life, nothing was going to keep me
away from you. The baby is just a wonderful bonus.” Taking her hands in
mine, I start to warm them up with gentle rubs of my thumbs. “You
consume my thoughts Bri; you’re the first thing on my mind in the morning
and my very last at night. And now that I’ve had the privilege of waking up
with you in my bed?” I let out a soft laugh.
“No matter what happens now, I won’t let you get away again,” I say,
cupping her cheek. “You’re stuck with me, Sugar.”
She smiles and laughs even as another tear slips free; then she bends
down to kiss me.
“Stay here for a second,” I whisper, pressing my lips to her knuckles
before standing. Wordlessly, I walk into her bathroom, grateful to find a
bathtub. I run the water, adjust the temperature, and add lavender bath salts
according to instructions before heading back to the bedroom.
Bri is still by the bed, now undressing, bent over and stepping out of her
leggings. The sight of her bare body immediately stirs desire in me, but I
maintain self-control. Instead, I brush my knuckles down her bare back.
She smiles at me over her shoulder. “The wet clothes were bothering
me.”
I scoop her up in my arms and carry her into the bathroom. She squeals
in surprise but clings to me.
“You… drew me a bath?” she asks after glancing at the tub.
“I didn’t like how cold you were from the rain.”
 She rewards me with a sweet kiss. “Will you join me?”
“If you want me to.”
With my help, Bri steps into the warm water. She shuts off the tap and
looks back at me with a smile that takes my breath away.
“Just give me a second to throw our clothes in the dryer,” I say before
rushing off to strip and start the laundry.
Her gaze snaps to me when I return, crossing the bathroom. My arousal
is evident, but I choose to ignore it for now as I settle behind her. Leaning
back against my chest in the tub, Bri guides my hands over her stomach
while emotion chokes my throat at the sight of our baby bump in our hands.
“I meant what I said, Bri,” I tell her, looking down at her.
She drops her head back against my chest and looks up at me as best she
can.
“Which part?” she asks, dropping her head back against my chest and
looking up at me as best she can.
“All of it,” I reply. “Especially the part about not letting you go.”
“I’m going to hold you to that,” Bri says with a contented sigh, cuddling
back into me.
We sit in silence and enjoy being close to each other. There will be
plenty of time later for us to continue our conversation, to iron out the
details and make sure we’re both on the same page regarding our
relationship.
For now, I hold my future close and let myself relax in this precious
moment.

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 SABRINA

“W ell, I’ll be damned,” a deep, rich voice says from behind me,
followed by a dramatic whistle. “Now I understand what people
mean when they say someone is glowing.”
I smile and shake my head. “Shouldn’t I be the one trying to charm you,
Mr. Henderson?”
Leo’s hand flies up to his chest with a dramatic groan. “Shot to the
heart, making me sound like an old man.”
I shrug and smirk at him. “I mean, I do recall attending your fortieth
birthday party last year.”
Dropping his hand, he makes a dramatic show of flexing his biceps.
“Yeah but look at me and tell me that I look like a ‘Mr. Henderson’ to you!”
I roll my eyes, turning away to motion for Quinn and Tucker to join us
while also hoping he doesn’t notice my blush.
Leo is exceptionally attractive, especially when he’s dressed to the nines
as he is today. With smooth, dark skin and light brown eyes that practically
twinkle whenever he smiles, he is the definition of a charmer. The suit he
has on hugs his muscles so tightly that I’m almost surprised his sleeve
didn’t rip when he flexed. Yet, even though he knows just how good
looking he is, I’ve never once seen him let it get to his head.
As Quinn and Tucker head toward us, he gently nudges me with his
elbow.
“Are you doing okay?” He rubs his tattooed, golden hand over his jaw
and grimaces. “I mean, you look really good. But you were kind of the talk
of the city for a while there after calling off the wedding and quitting your
job…I was worried about you.”
Well, I’m officially in the last trimester so my ankles swell within five
minutes of standing, I’ve had a headache for the past two days and my back
always hurts.
But I know he doesn’t actually want to hear about any of that, so
instead, I plaster a pleasant smile on my face. Tugging his hand from his
face and linking our elbows together, I lead him further into the tasting
room.
“I’m as good as can be expected when growing a whole human,” I say,
holding my stomach and discreetly pressing over the slight pain on the top
of my stomach as I focus on introductions. “But I’m good. Working here
was always my goal; I just got held back.”
Leo places his hand over mine on his arm, dazzling me with his
beautiful smile.
“And there’s a guy?” He teases, and I laugh, playfully shoving him
away as my blush spreads across my face and down my neck.
“Yes,” I admit with a giggle. “He happens to own the farm next door
and he is…”
I shake my head, grinning as I try to think of the right word to express
just how amazing Noah is. After an emotional storm and finding out that he
did try to stay in touch, we talked for hours the next day about everything.
It was a lot of heavy stuff—how we felt about each other, how much it
hurt not speaking for three months, and how we could move forward.
By the end of the day, Noah was basically encouraging me to move into
his house. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about that idea, but agreed that after
the baby is born, I would stay there until cleared by the doctor. It seemed
logical with a newborn rather than him coming all the way out to the cabin
or me trying to visit him with the baby.
Despite our agreement, however, I’ve already spent most nights at his
place and started taking over his bathroom with my belongings.
But since that morning last month, everything has been blissfully happy.
“Well, then,” Leo says, turning to offer his hand to Tucker, “let’s see
what I can do to ensure your happiness here.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Henderson,” Tucker says politely and I stifle
laughter.
“Dammit, Sabrina,” Leo groans under his breath. “Please call me Leo.”
 “Tucker, and this is Quinn.”
I let them proceed with introductions, both of them explaining their
roles at the winery. Our parents will join us after we finish going through
the production side of things with Tucker. It took more than one
conversation to convince them that having all five of us walking Leo
through the winery would be a bit overwhelming.
But they eventually conceded.
Just as I’m about to help transition us to going over the event space, my
phone vibrates with an incoming call. I pull it out, seeing it’s my sister and
decline the call.
“This is a stunning view,” Leo comments and walks toward the back of
the tasting room.
“Yes, the sun sets over that hill,” I point in the direction of my cabin.
“So it’s a beautiful view here every night.”
“Do you host weddings here?” he asks.
“We do,” Quinn answers. “The property is set up for both indoor and
outdoor events.”
My phone buzzes in my back pocket again and this time I don’t even
look as I silence the call.
“Seeing this place makes me want to change my plans for date night
with Kira.”
“You brought your mysterious girlfriend?” I gasp. He’s been dating her
for a couple years, but every time there was a chance to meet her,
something would come up with her own job.
Leo grins, digging into his pocket and looking around before pulling out
a little black box.
“She’s spending the day at the spa, full package. Then I was going to
propose tonight.”
I squeal, clutching my stomach and grinning like an idiot. “Stop, let me
see it!”
He opens the lid, and while Quinn and I practically drool over the ring,
he tells us about his plans at the hotel restaurant and wanting to propose
over dinner.
“Nonsense,” Quinn deadpans. “I’m adding your name to the list and
you’ll do it here! We have some really romantic spots where you can pop
the question!”
“While the sun sets!” I add excitedly.
 We continue with the tour of the tasting room, Quinn leading the walk
as if she’s been doing this for years, not just a couple of months. Just as
she’s about to hand off to Tucker, I notice him frowning at his phone.
He looks up and turns the screen for me to see.
My stomach knots instantly at seeing the contact name “Princess Addy-
Cakes” and a picture of my sister scowling on his phone.
“Excuse me, I need to answer this,” he says, nodding to Leo before
stepping away.
My eyes follow him. She would only call him if something was
seriously wrong.
I shouldn’t have ignored her calls.
Quinn keeps Leo distracted, discussing some of our wines with him
while I stare out the window after Tucker. He doesn’t look immediately
distressed or upset, so I take it as a sign that she’s physically okay.
Turning back to Leo and Quinn, I try to refocus on their conversation.
“And all the wines here are made on property?”
“Yes,” I answer. “We can show you production and storage once Tucker
is back.”
As I glance over my shoulder, Tucker steps back inside. His gaze
immediately finds mine and puts me on high alert as I approach him.
“What’s wrong? Is she okay?”
Tucker reaches for my hand, squeezing it tightly. “She’s perfectly fine.
She was trying to warn you that⁠—”
“Sabrina,” a voice calls out.
My eyes widen in shock and my spine stiffens at the sound of the voice.
Staring at Tucker, I shake my head. “Tell me that isn’t who I think it is.”
But Tucker glares over my shoulder with a look that would send me
running if I was on the receiving end.
“That’s what Addison was trying to warn you about,” he says.
“Apparently, your brother still talks to Paul and let it slip that some city guy
was coming to see the winery…and that you’re pregnant.”
He glances toward Leo and I suppress a curse.
This is supposed to be a business meeting, and Paul showing up here
does not help anything. While Leo does know him very well, we do not
need to be causing a scene while trying to get him to invest.
“Can you continue the tour and I’ll meet you when I’m finished?” I ask
Tucker but it’s too late.
 “Paul? What are you doing here?” Leo asks, stepping up beside me and
Tucker. He looks down at me with furrowed brows before stepping forward
and out of my sight.
“I need to talk to Sabrina,” Paul says from behind me and I take a deep
breath.
My temple pulses with a sharp pain that I try to ignore as I finally turn
around.
Leo stands with his arms crossed, scowling down at Paul.
“We’re in the middle of a business meeting, so you’ll have to come back
later,” Leo insists as Tucker moves around me to stand next to him. Quinn
comes up beside me, linking her arm with mine in solidarity.
“Should we hide while he’s busy?” She whispers and I can’t help but
laugh.
“No,” I reassure her, squeezing her hand. “At least, I don’t think so. I’ll
let you know if I change my answer, though.”
Sighing, I step out of her hold and around Tucker.
“What are you doing here, Paul?” I ask, just as the sharp pain at the top
of my stomach returns.
Paul’s eyes immediately drop to my stomach with a frown. Movement
over his shoulder catches my attention and despite the dread unraveling
around me, I can’t help but smile at the sight of Noah.
“I came to bring you and my baby home,” Paul finally answers, and my
head snaps back toward him.

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 NOAH

“E xcuse me?” Bri yells, her head whipping towards the man in front of
me.
“You can’t just run off and not tell me you’re pregnant!” the guy
says, taking a step towards her. He freezes when Tucker and the tall man—
presumably the investor—move to intervene.
Bri sucks in a deep breath and presses a hand to her stomach. “Paul,
we’re working. Come back in a couple of hours and we can talk then.”
I hadn’t planned on seeing her. She talked about this meeting for weeks,
so my intention was to sneak into her office, drop off flowers with a note,
and leave without being noticed.
She sways on her feet.
I shove past Paul and cross over to Bri, setting the flowers onto the
tasting bar as I pass.
“No!” Paul yells. “I’m here now. You don’t get to run off on me again.
And not with my baby!”
Bri looks up at me with pleading eyes. “It’s not his. There’s no way.
He’s not the⁠—”
“I know, Sugar,” I reassure her and hold out my hand, which she
immediately takes. It’s probably wrong, but the way she clings to me in
front of everyone has my chest puffing with pride.
“Who the hell is this?” Paul seethes.
“Her boyfriend.” I answer and smirk. “And the father.”
His face turns blotchy and red as he glares at me.
 It’s then that I notice just how rough he looks. His hair is sticking up in
different directions, as if he’s been pulling at it. Uneven hairs poke out on
his jaw, and his button-up shirt is done up wrong.
Bri squeezes my hand, but I don’t look away.
“That remains to be determined,” he says with narrowed, red-rimmed
eyes shooting daggers at me.
“Paul, can we please not do this here?” Bri pleads.
“No! We’re doing this now. You’re out here playing house with some
country boy, acting like a⁠—”
“Whoa there, man,” the businessman interrupts, stepping around me and
Bri. “We should take a walk. And maybe find a place for you to rinse off.”
But that only upsets him more.
“You’re supposed to be my friend, Leo! How could you not tell me she
was pregnant?” Paul gets in Leo’s face, or at least, his chest due to the
height difference.
“It wasn’t my place to⁠—”
“Bullshit.” Paul leans around Leo, moving closer and I finally catch a
whiff of the whiskey on him.
From the corner of my eye, I see Tucker on Bri’s other side and hold out
my arm, shielding Bri between us.
Leo grabs Paul’s shoulders and backs him up a couple of steps.
“Dude, you’re clearly drunk. Let’s get you to a hotel and⁠—”
“Maybe the baby is yours,” Paul yells at him. “Is that why you didn’t
tell me?”
My fists clench and Tucker takes a step forward, but Bri places a hand
on his shoulder and whispers something.
Paul looks back to Bri, already forgetting his accusation.
“You had no right to keep this from me. I have a right to know if I’m
going to be a father!”
“We haven’t had sex in over a year and a half, Paul!” Bri yells, her
voice echoing through the space as everyone stays silent. She pushes past
me and Tucker but I stay behind her as she gets a little closer to her ex.
“How the hell could this baby be yours?”
That finally shuts Paul up for a second, but he just shakes his head.
“I don’t…” He sighs, shrugging out of Leo’s hold and dropping his
head. “I don’t know. All I do know is that we were happy, about to get
married and then you just left. Everything was perfect until⁠—”
 “Nothing was perfect!” Bri cuts him off with a gasp. I place a hand on
her hip but she continues. “We were growing apart. We were so far removed
from each other that you didn’t even notice I was fading. It was over long
before I ended it.”
“But I loved you,” Paul whispers.
I almost feel bad for the guy. Almost.
Bri steps away from me, stopping beside Leo and in front of her ex.
“You loved a girl who disappeared a long time ago—a version of me
experiencing adult life for the first time. Somewhere along the line, I grew
up; changed without either of us noticing that who I am now doesn’t belong
with you.” She pauses sucking in a deep breath rubbing at the top of her
baby bump before saying, “If I had stayed with you and gone through with
the wedding—we would have crashed and burned sooner or later.”
She turns to me and smiles. “There is no doubt in my mind that I am
where—and with whom—I’m meant to be.”
I grin and hold out my hand.
She takes a step toward me but pauses. Grimacing, she clutches her
stomach and bends forward. When she looks up at me, there’s nothing but
pure terror in her eyes.
I can’t move fast enough or do anything except watch as her knees
buckle and she falls.

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 NOAH

E veryone springs into action, except for Bri’s ex-fiancé.

Leo reacts quickly, twisting to catch Bri. He wraps an arm around
her waist to prevent her from falling and guides her gently into a
chair.
I hurry over to her, with Tucker trailing closely behind. Hesitantly, I
place a hand on her thigh in an attempt to reassure her. Her face is ghostly
pale, eyes squeezed shut as she clutches her stomach in pain.
“What’s wrong, Bri?” I ask.
She only shakes her head, sucking in a pained breath.
“I’m going to call an ambulance,” Quinn suggests from behind me.
Bri’s eyes snap open, and she shakes her head twice, refuting the need
for an ambulance. Panic tightens its grip on me. I glance at Tucker and
explain, “I walked here from the farm.”
Tucker nods and pulls out his keys. “I’ll go pull my car so you can use
it.”
“No, it’s fine,” she says, tears welling up in her eyes.
Tentatively, I reach up and lightly place my hand atop hers. “Are you
sure? Because fallin’ into his arms—” I nod towards Leo who now stands
beside her with a glass of water “—suggests otherwise, Sugar.”
“Thanks for catching me,” Bri says, her voice breathless. She casts a
strained smile and intertwines her fingers with mine. “This is the guy I was
telling you about. Noah.”
 Even as worry consumes me, I can’t help but momentarily beam like an
idiot upon realizing she’s referring to me. However, my happiness is short-
lived.
She continues blinking and shaking her head lightly.
“Are you feeling lightheaded?” I ask gently while signaling Tucker to
fetch his car.
“A little,” Bri concedes quietly. “But I had breakfast and lunch, and
plenty of water too. It’s this damn headache that’s throwing me off.”
My brows knit together in concern. “Is this the same headache you had
last night?”
Her cheeks regain some color as she blushes, sheepishly confirming my
query. I sigh and smooth my hand over her stomach, holding her gaze.
“Please, let me take you to the hospital for a check-up. I’m terrified here
and need to know that you and our baby are okay.”
“Alright, we should go,” she agrees, rubbing her right side with a
grimace. “I’m starting to question whether this pain is just heartburn or
not.”
I clench my teeth but before I can respond, Tucker appears beside us.
“The car’s right outside,” he informs us.
I rise to my feet, but Bri places a hand on my forearm to stop me.
“I can’t drive like this,” she states. I cover her hand with mine and lower
myself back into a crouch in front of her, taking both of her hands.
“No, Sugar. You’ll have to let me do that,” I respond softly. She glances
at everyone gathered around before leaning forward slightly. I lean closer to
minimize her movement.
“I might throw up…” she trails off, embarrassed.
“That’s okay. We’ll find a container or something, and I’ll clean
Tucker’s car afterwards if necessary. And anything said during the ride
won’t be held against you.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Tucker reassures me, clapping a hand on my
shoulder and squeezing it affirmatively. “I’ll go grab a bin and check if
there are towels or napkins around.”
“But the meeting,” Bri begins.
“Your parents, Quinn, and I will handle it,” Tucker finishes for her. “I
already sent them a text while I was getting the car. You have about five
minutes before your mother insists on accompanying you to the hospital.”
“P reeclampsia ?” Bri questions, groaning as she adjusts the hospital gown
they had her change into shortly after arriving. “Sorry, what does that even
mean?”
The doctor smiles patiently. “It means I’m putting you on bed rest.”
“Bed rest?” Bri parrots back, shaking her head. “But… how? I don’t…
did I do something to cause this? Is the baby okay?”
“I would like to get an ultrasound to double check on the baby,” The
doctor tells us and Bri squeezes my hand. “But based on your bloodwork
and urine sample, he’s okay. Your blood-pressure was concerning when you
arrived, but it’s lower now. I would like to go over some of the other results
and how you can monitor them from home. But we can go over those when
you’re back in your clothes after the ultrasound.”
The doctor answers a few more questions before excusing herself to go
get the portable ultrasound machine.
“Well, I guess this means I have a chance to catch up on my reading.”
Bri jokes before we fall into a comfortable silence for a few minutes.
“I know we just had this talk a couple weeks ago and I will fully support
whatever you decide, but I need to ask. If only so you know how serious I
am.”
Bri raises a brow. “Ask me what?”
“Move in with me now.” I say softly. She opens her mouth to answer,
but I clasp her hand in mine and continue. “Or let me stay with you out at
the cabin. I’ll try not to hover too much and make sure you don’t feel
crowded, but I want to be there for you and the best way for me to do that is
with you under the same roof as me. But if you’re at my house, there’s
always someone close by in case something happens. I just…I need to do
something other than feel this helpless.”
I’m pleading by the time I finally snap my mouth shut. Bri reaches out,
placing a hand on my cheek and chuckling lightly.
“You still want me to stay with you even after my ex showed up drunk
claiming the baby was his?”
I roll my eyes. “I’d like to see him try to take either of you from me.”
 She laughs and the sound resonates through me, drowning out some of
the lingering fear from this afternoon.
During Paul’s drunken rants, I never once felt threatened or worried
about Bri choosing to go back to him. There was never any doubt that she
and this baby are mine.
There’s even a part of me that knows that, even if the baby was his, it
wouldn’t make a difference when it came to the way I feel about them. Just
because I haven’t said those three words to her yet, doesn’t change the fact
that she and this child are my whole world.
But watching her fall, seeing her in pain and not being able to do
anything to help her, that got under my skin more than anything her ex said
or did.
“I’ve never seen him like that before,” she sighs and stares at the
ceiling. “He’s always been that person who could walk into a crowded room
and within five minutes, he’d have made friends with half the people there.
No matter the situation, Paul was always the calm and stable one.”
“You don’t need to defend him to me.” I tell her softly. She swallows
thickly, running a free hand through her hair in frustration.
“I just don’t get it. Everything was going so good. And then he showed
up, acting like a completely different person and everything just…
exploded.”
“Jealousy makes people do and say unexpected things.” I take her hand,
rubbing my thumb in soothing circles. “Things are still good, Bri. We just
hit a bump and got knocked off path, but it’ll be okay.”
“He wasn’t jealous, he was…” She trails off, shaking her head and I
finish for her.
“He was envious that the baby isn’t his. That you’re not with him and
that you’ve moved on with your life, without him. And he chose to lash out
instead of confronting his issues. I’m not saying he’s a bad guy, although
my opinion of him isn’t that great, but you knew him at his best. This was
him at his worst.”
She sighs, squeezing my hand in hers and finally nodding.
“Part of me still feels bad. Like this is my fault and that somehow, I
should be reaching out to check on him and see how I can help make it
easier for him.”
“That’s not fair to you, though. It’s not your responsibility to look after
someone who wouldn’t do the same for you.” I wait for her to look back at
me before continuing. “He’s an adult. Having his feelings hurt does not
justify his behavior. If he needed to talk shit through, he could have gone to
a therapist or sent you a text asking if you could clear the air. Not show up
to berate you while you’re seven months pregnant and put you in the
hospital.”
Bri holds my hand, letting my words soak in. I bend down beside her
and kiss her forehead.
“Tucker sent me a text,” I tell her and pull out my phone. “Tommy came
by with your parents. He escorted Paul to the Honeywell Inn. Tucker said to
tell you that the rest of the meeting went perfectly, Ma practically charmed
the pants off Leo. They also want us to let them know if you need
anything.”
“Damn, I wanted to witness Ma meeting Leo. Those two are both huge
flirts, it would have been fun watching them try to one up each other.”
I laugh, shaking my head just as the door opens behind me. A nurse
follows behind the doctor, wheeling the ultrasound machine in.
“Oh, can you ask Tucker to do something for me?” Bri says while they
set up the machine beside her.
“Of course.”
“Can you ask him to help Ma pack up some of my clothes and bring
them to your house later?”
I grin down at her but she shrugs, trying and failing to hide her own
smirk.
“We can get the rest of my things eventually.”
“So that’s a yes to moving in with me?” I ask hopefully.
She glances at me from the corner of her eye. “Only if you have enough
space for all my books.”
“Sugar, I will knock down a wall and build you a library if that’s what it
takes to make you move in with me.”

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 SABRINA

“W hat are you doing?” Noah asks, his voice breaking my

concentration.
Startled, I drop the bread onto the counter and let out a yelp.
Clapping a hand over my chest, I turn to face him.
“I just wanted a sandwich,” I explain with a sheepish grin.
He sighs, scrubbing a hand down his face before coming over to stand
by me. “You’re supposed to text me for these things,” he scolds gently.
“Well, I had to go to the bathroom, so I was up anyway. Besides, you
have actual work to do on the farm. You can’t keep dropping everything just
because I wanted lunch.” I cross my arms and give him a playful glare
before turning back to the bread. “I thought you were going out to work on
the fence.”
“I did,” Noah nods, taking a tentative step towards me. “Only when I
got out there, I was told to turn back around. Kenny has everyone whipped
into shape and they’re almost done.”
“That’s good,” I grumble. While I’m glad that the work is getting done
and that Noah is improving at delegating tasks, being on bed rest for three
weeks has taken its toll on me and I am officially going stir crazy.
Even Noah has noticed how much it’s affecting me and offered to help
me set up camp in the living room for a change of scenery today. But even
with a different view, when he popped out to check on things around the
farm, I couldn’t sit still any longer and decided to make myself a quick
sandwich.
 “Will you please go sit back down? I’ll bring you lunch,” Noah pleads
with a hint of exasperation in his voice.
“Make me,” I sass playfully, knowing full well that my stubbornness
will only last for another minute or two before my body forces me to rest.
Like a child throwing a tantrum, I stick my tongue out at him.
“Make you what? A sandwich? Coming right up. Make you a mom?”
His eyes slowly trail down my body before landing on my stomach as he
smirks. “Already did that,” he adds teasingly.
He takes another calculated step towards me, his playful demeanor
shifting to a more serious one. “Or do you want me to come over there, pick
you up, carry you to the bed, spend the rest of the day taking care of you
and giving you everything you could possibly need to make sure you stay
off your feet?”
My cheeks flush at the thought of being taken care of by him and even
though I have been feeling miserable for the past couple of days, a part of
me can’t help but light up at the idea.
I open my mouth to respond but am cut off by the doorbell ringing.
“I’ll get it!” I say excitedly, turning to head toward the door.
“Bri!” Noah groans, following after me and catching up. Just as I reach
to open the door, he holds a hand out to stop me. “You’re supposed to be off
your feet.”
“Well, let me answer the door, have a thirty-second conversation with
someone who isn’t you or my Ma, and then I’ll plant my butt on the couch
without complaint until I have to pee in twenty minutes.” I bat my
eyelashes up at him for extra measure.
Shaking his head, he drops his hand from mine and motions for me to
open. I push up on my toes and kiss his cheek before yanking the handle.
My smile is instantly wiped from my face and I immediately regret my
choice to not just go sit down.
“Oh fuck no,” Noah seethes, stepping up behind me until my back is
flush with his chest. He drapes an arm around me, his hand resting over my
stomach protectively while his other hand finds the door.
“Hey,” Paul says from the porch. He grimaces and takes a smart step
back.
I stare in silence and lean into Noah’s chest, trying to figure out if this is
really happening.
Paul clears his throat. “I was hoping we could talk.”
 Unable to form a complete sentence, I tilt my head back and look up at
Noah. His hold on me is light and comforting, but the hard set of his jaw
gives him away. He has been going out of his way to make it so I barely lift
a finger.
Plus, neither of us have a good memory from the last time my ex was
here.
Noah breaks off his glare and meets my gaze. “It’s your call, Sugar. I’ll
support whatever you decide.” He kisses my forehead before lifting his
head and narrowing his eyes at Paul. “But if you’re here to start shit, or
stress her out in any way, walk away now. She’s already supposed to be on
bed rest.”
Paul holds up two hands in surrender.
“I’m not here to add to your plate.” He claims and I stare at him,
watching for any sign of deceit. After a few seconds, Paul drops his hands
and grips the back of his neck. “I was an asshole.”
“Yeah,” I snort and nod, motioning toward the Adirondack chairs on the
porch. “You can say your peace, but there’s no way in hell I’m standing up
while you do it.”
Noah guides me over and helps me sit before assuming guard next to
me.
Paul awkwardly fidgets in front of the chair beside me.
I roll my eyes and pat Noah’s thigh. “Can you get me a glass of water?”
His brows pinch together and he continues to eye Paul skeptically.
“I’ll be okay, just give us a minute,” I whisper. “Leave the front door
open and come back in two minutes.”
Noah nods, bending down to give me a kiss that is nowhere near
appropriate, before heading inside.
Blushing, I sit back, rubbing absentmindedly over my stomach and tap
the chair next to me. “You only have a couple minutes before he’s back.”
He sinks into the seat and his eyes fall on my belly. “Are you okay? Is
the baby okay?”
“We’re both good.” I suck in a deep breath.
Paul’s eyes widen with concern and he pushes back to his feet and steps
toward the door.
“I’m fine, Paul. He’s just a kicker and gets me really good sometimes.”
He sits back down and his eyes glisten with tears. “It’s a boy?”
Grinning, I focus on the bump and nod. “Yeah, I’m having a boy.”
 “That’s amazing,” he says, before growing serious again. “I’m sorry,
Sabrina. I never meant to hurt you—let alone put you in the hospital.”
I force a smile, trying to brush off the weight of responsibility. “It’s not
entirely your fault. I hadn’t been taking care of myself and my body had
finally reached its limit. Your arrival was just the straw that broke the
camels back.”
He runs his hands through his hair. “I don’t even remember deciding to
get on the plane and come here. I just… I found out you were pregnant and
something snapped. You didn’t deserve that and I’m sorry.”
I reach over and place a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you.”
“Not just for showing up like that. I’m sorry for so much more. You
used to be my best friend, and I stopped noticing or appreciating you. Even
if I did see how you were growing, I didn’t acknowledge it. It wasn’t fair to
expect you to still be the same girl I met ten years ago, when the woman
you’ve become is everything you used to dream about. I’m sorry for
holding you back.”
I ignore the tears running down my face. “I wouldn’t be who I am today
without you, Paul. I made some mistakes when calling it off too and I’m
sorry I hurt you. Our ending was a disaster, but I don’t regret the journey we
took to get here.”

“Y ou ready to come in now ?” Noah asks, stealing my attention from the

view of the sunset across the farm.
“I guess so.” I sigh, bracing my hands on the arms of the chair to help
me stand.
After he apologized, Paul didn’t stick around much longer. Not that I
expected him too.
However, once he was gone, I was more than content to sit outside and
enjoy the late summer breeze and soak up some vitamin D. Noah’s house
overlooked the farm, so I was happy to sit back and people watch.
Noah sat with me for a while, but when he saw one of the farm hands
heading to the animal barn, he followed them. When he came back ten
minutes later, I burst into tears.
Rosie followed behind him, her own stomach round. She immediately
came to me, sticking her head over the railing and huffing at me. I almost
gave Noah a heart attack when I tried scrambling from my seat to see her.
We spent the rest of the afternoon snacking, even tossing out some food
to Rosie, and talking about everything we had to get for the baby. In
actuality, it was mostly just me talking out loud and creating a list while
Noah listened. By the time I put my phone down, I was overwhelmed with
everything left to do. Especially considering that I’m already halfway
through the third trimester.
But it’s hard to shop when you’re not supposed to leave the bed.
“If you’re up for it, I have something I wanna show you before we get
you back in bed.” Noah says, bending down to wrap an arm around my
waist and helping me stand.
“Oh you mean you’re actually gonna let me leave the house?” I tease as
we head inside.
“When you say it like that, you make it sound like I’m holding you
against your will.” Noah laughs and lets go of me to shut the door.
“Help!” I call out teasingly. “The insanely hot farmer is holding me
completely against my will!”
Noah shakes his head, grinning at me over his shoulder and locking the
dead bolt.
“You can scream and shout all you want, Sugar. No one’s taking you
from me.”
“With you as my captor, I would give into Stockholm Syndrome so
fast.” I sigh in defeat and shrug.
He smirks, stalking forward and wrapping me in his arms.
“Good, because if I recall correctly, I did promise to never let you get
away.”
Shaking my head, I smile at him. “You wanted to show me something?”
Noah nods, taking my hand and tucking me into his side.
“It’s upstairs. Think you have it in you to go up there now?”
“Yes, actually, if anything, I think I’m kinda excited to get back into
bed. The afternoon outside was exactly what I needed.”
“Good,” he says, kissing my forehead before helping me up the stairs.
By the time we’re in the hallway, even with his help, I am breathless and
cursing.
 “I swear, this damn baby is ruining my lung capacity.”
He swats my ass. “The way you screamed my name last week as you
came so beautifully on my tongue says otherwise.”
“Noah!” I yell with a giggle, my cheeks flush at the memory. Shaking
my head, I hold my stomach and follow him down the hallway past his
bedroom. “He can hear you, ya know.”
Noah pauses in front of the door beside his room and winks at me.
“Well, then he definitely knows just how well your lungs still work.”
I drop my head into my hands, before sighing and choosing to ignore
him.
“Why are we in the hallway?”
His grin turns shy, a rare pink painting his cheeks above his beard. “I’ve
been working on something while you rested.”
He shifts his weight between his feet. “Well, with the help of your
parents, our brothers and AJ. Addison also helped via video chat when she
could.”
My brows pull together as I try to figure out what he did. Luckily, Noah
doesn’t make me wait.
Turning the door handle, he pauses and glances back at me. “While it’s
all stuff that you have on the list, if you don’t like it we can change
whatever you want. AJ and Con already offered to help hustle if you decide
you want something changed.”
With that, he pushes the door open and steps inside. I follow after him
and am crying before I’m fully in the room.
Somehow, between taking care of me and running the farm, he managed
to put together the perfect nursery for the baby.
The dark gray furniture set that we picked out is all in here, built and
ready to use. A comfy rocking chair is nestled in the corner, a matching side
table beside it with some of the baby books I had ordered last week. The
neutral animal theme carries throughout the room, with pictures and stuffed
animals on shelves.
Tears run uncontrollably down my face as I take it all in.
“There’s more decorations for above his crib, Connor’s coming over
this weekend to help finish hanging those. And there’s some clothes and
necessities here,” Noah motions to the stack of boxes. “that your Ma
bought. But I didn’t want to put things away without you, that way we both
know where everything is.”
 “Noah, this is…” I trail off, crossing the room and running my hand
along the edge of the crib. “It’s perfect.”
I turn to look at him, expecting to find him relieved but he still looks
tense.
“What’s wrong?” I’ve barely finished the question when Noah answers.
“I love you,” he blurts out.
We both stand frozen for a second, both of us seeming to make sure
that’s what he actually said.
Noah nods, a genuine finally smile stretching across his lips and his
shoulders relax.
“While it’s not how I planned to do this,” he comes over to stand in
front of me. Reaching up, he brushes my hair from my face and watches
me, speaking slower.
“I love you.”
I open my mouth but he shakes his head and continues.
“I know that none of this is how you planned it. Me, the baby…living
here. But meeting you and having you here are the best things to ever
happen to me. Before you came into my life, I was living for work. You
make me see everything in a different light. I am grateful to have you here,
pushing me to live for more than just the farm. I’ve lived here my whole
life, knowing this is where I’m meant to be, but because of you, I finally
feel like I’m where I belong.”
He drops his forehead to rest against mine, all the while smiling at me.
“I love you. Not because you’re having my baby. But because of your
strength, your light, and just…you, Bri. I love you.”
Before he even thinks of making me cry with more beautiful
declarations, I push to my tiptoes and kiss him.
“I love you too, Noah.”

OceanofPDF.com
 EPILOGUE

NOAH

“Y ou did so good, Sugar.” I whisper from my spot at the end of her

hospital bed.
Bri lets out a weak laugh. “Not like I had much choice. He was
coming out one way or another.”
“You are incredible,” I say, meeting her gaze. The words hardly seem
adequate. I shake my head, swaying slightly as our son peacefully sleeps in
my arms.
Last night, after dinner, Bri had insisted on checking on Rosie. The
mare still had a couple of months before her own foal was due, but we had
been keeping a close eye on her. I hadn’t realized just how attached they
had become until Bri started crying about how long it had been since she
last gave Rosie a treat.
Despite my concerns, I helped Bri take the short walk to the animal
barn. I stayed close by as she showered Rosie with fruits. Just when I turned
my back for a moment to say goodnight to Kenny, the sound of a bucket
hitting the ground made both of us whip around.
And just over eight hours later, Nicolas arrived in this world, screaming
and crying.
“He’s perfect like his mama,” I carefully settle beside her on the bed.
 She smiles sleepily, reaching out to touch his tiny feet covered in a
blanket.
There’s a soft knock on the doorway. Ma peeks her head in, tears
welling up in her eyes at the sight of us.
“Oh, look at you three,” she says in a hushed tone but doesn’t move
from the doorway. “Are you up for some visitors? Or would you prefer we
come back later so you can rest?”
I look at Bri, leaving the decision to her. We had discussed having
visitors at the hospital weeks ago. We knew our family would be excited to
meet Nicolas, but ultimately, it was Bri’s call. If she wasn’t up for visitors,
they could wait until we were settled at home.
Our eyes lock as she nods with a smile. “Yes, come meet your
grandson.”
Ma doesn’t hesitate, rushing through the door with Pa trailing behind
her, his arms full. She heads straight for the sink to wash her hands while
Bri’s dad makes his way to the table on the other side of the room.
“Um, are you guys moving into the hospital?” Bri asks with a shaky
laugh, attempting to sit up a little straighter.
“I told you she’d ask that, Hun.” Pa chuckles over his shoulder.
“Yeah, yeah,” Ma playfully retorts while drying her hands and turning
back to us. “It’s all for you two. We brought lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Some toiletries for both of you, an extra phone charger, and a pillow.”
Ma grabs the pillow and walks to the other side of the bed. My throat
tightens as I watch her brush away a stray curl from Bri’s face while asking
her how she feels.
I give them as much privacy as I can, focusing on Nicolas while her
mom tells her how proud she is.
“Alright, enough of that.” Bri clears her throat and wipes away tears
from her face. “Do you want to meet your grandson?”
Ma beams, rounding the bed and coming to my side in a flash. I stand
and carefully hand Nicolas to her.
“Ma, say hi to Nicolas William Dawson,” Bri says with pride evident in
her voice.
The moment she suggested naming him after our fathers, I knew it was
perfect. We had considered other names, but none felt right. Seeing our son
for the first time only solidified our choice.
 “Now that’s a good name,” Ma whispers, finally tearing her eyes away
from the baby and smiling at her husband.
Pa steps up behind her, placing a hand on her arm as he looks over her
shoulder at Nicolas. Tears shimmer in his eyes.
I flex my hands, unsure of what to do now that Nicolas isn’t in my arms.
“Can I get you anything, Sugar?”
“Will you sit with me for a minute?” she asks, reaching for my hand and
pulling me down to sit beside her again. Bri rests her head on my shoulder,
and together we watch as her parents fawn and coo over their grandson.
Movement on the muted TV catches my attention, and I catch the end of
a commercial about hockey season starting soon. A soft laugh escapes me.
“What’s so funny?” Bri asks, not looking away from her family.
“Remember how I told you I had a beer with that hockey player at the
resort? Dominik Mikelson?”
She scrunches her nose and tilts her head back to playfully glare up at
me. “Yes, and I also remember you refusing to tell me what you guys talked
about.”
I chuckle, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and holding her close.
“He told me that how we met was gonna be one heck of a story to tell our
kids.”
The half-hearted scowl fades from her face. “Wait…what?”
I nod, unable to wipe the grin off my face. “After I told him that I was
waiting for my date—who I’d just met the night before—he told me that we
had a hell of a “meet-cute” and that it was gonna be a great story to tell our
future kids.” Cupping her cheek in my hand, I gently pull her in for a kiss
before continuing. “It took me nine months to understand it, but damn the
guy was right.”
Bri’s eyes widen. “Oh my god.” Her voice drops to a whispered shout.
“We cannot tell our son that we met and immediately spent four days
having unprotected sex.”
I shrug, glancing back at Nicolas. “But it was worth it.”
Bri laughs, patting my chest. “While I regret nothing about it, I’m pretty
sure we’re supposed to teach future generations about safe behavior.”
“I guess that’s true,” I admit, leaning back against the bed and holding
her close. “I’ll just tell them that their uncle and grandpa sent me on a
vacation where I met the most beautiful woman, and I simply couldn’t let
her get away.”
 Bri playfully sighs, barely containing her amusement as she snuggles
into my side.
“As long as you emphasize that they cannot abduct or hold anyone
against their will and not make it sound like you kidnapped me.”
“Deal.” I grin, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Noah.”

OceanofPDF.com
 BONUS EPILOGUE

SABRINA

1 year later

“Miss Jones, this party is beyond incredible,” Mr. Walker remarks, his eyes
admiring the beautifully decorated winery.
I turn to fully face him, my smile beaming. “I had some help,” I
confess, gesturing towards the tasteful Christmas decorations adorning
every corner of the winery. “But I’m glad you could make it Mr. Walker.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he responds with a grin. “It’s about
time I made it in person.”
As one of our newest investors, Mr. Walker’s support has been pivotal
in expanding our winery’s distribution along the East Coast. However, he
has relied solely on Leo’s recommendations and hasn’t visited until now.
Glancing over my shoulder, Mr. Walker’s expression shifts as he spots
someone at the bar. “That’s my date,” he shares simply with a smile.
“I’ll let you get back to her,” I say, stepping back to give him space. But
then I remember something important. “Oh, before you go, we’re unveiling
our latest line tonight. Just ask the bartender about the Honeywell Hearts
Collection.”
“The Hearts Collection?” Mr. Walker repeats in surprise, glancing
towards the bar.
 “Our winemaker outdid himself with these,” I say with a wink, nodding
towards his date. “If you’ll excuse me, Mr. Henderson just arrived and I
need to greet him before my mother catches sight of him.”
“Ah yes, your mother is quite charming,” Mr. Walker chuckles.
“If by charming, you mean the biggest flirt who is dead set on
traumatizing her daughter with innuendos she never needed to hear her say,
then yes,” I reply with a shiver at the memory of my mom making a “that’s
what she said” joke aimed at Leo when he came to check on me after I was
put on bedrest before he left.
After promising to meet Mr. Walker’s date later, I head over to Leo.
“Well, hey there, stranger,” I say, my words trailing off as I get a good
look at him.
Leo has always been meticulous about his appearance, so the slight
wrinkles in his suit jacket and the crooked tie are immediately noticeable. I
reach out to touch his arm, guiding us to a quieter spot. “Is everything
okay?” I ask in a hushed tone.
Running a hand across his jaw, Leo avoids meeting my gaze as he sighs.
Finally, he forces a smile. “Oh, noth⁠—”
I interrupt him with a raised hand. “If you’re going to lie and say
everything’s fine when it’s clearly not, then it’s better if you don’t answer at
all.”
He appears taken aback and falls silent.
Just then, a server with a tray of sample wines catches my attention. I
step away from Leo briefly to grab two glasses, offering one to him. As he
reaches for it, I keep my hold on the glass until he looks at me directly. His
forced smile vanishes, revealing exhaustion and hurt in his eyes.
Keeping my voice low, I say, “You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong if
you’re not ready. Just don’t brush me off or lie to me.”
“You’re right,” Leo nods, a brief smirk playing at the corner of his lips
before disappearing with his sigh. “Thank you for calling me out on that.”
As we both realize we are still holding onto the same glass, I release it
and raise an eyebrow at him.
“So, are we addressing or ignoring it?” I inquire.
He gulps down his wine in one swallow and stares at the empty glass
before finally meeting my gaze.
“I got dumped,” he confesses bluntly. “She went back home for the
holidays, ran into her ex…and now here I am, dumped on Christmas Eve.”
 I exhale, unsure of what to say. But Leo continues speaking.
“I couldn’t stay in the city, but now that I’m here, I’m realizing being
around people probably wasn’t the right decision either.”
Before I can respond, my mother appears by our side, clearly having
overheard our conversation.
“Oh Honey,” she soothes, “being here is exactly where you’re supposed
to be.”
Despite his heartbreak, a genuine smile finally graces Leo’s face as he
looks down at my mom.
“Good to see you, Mrs. Jones. I apologize for bringing down the mood.”
“What did I tell you about that ‘Mrs. Jones’ nonsense? It’s Ma," she
corrects him, linking her arm with Leo’s. She turns to me. “I have a bottle
of wine set aside for this occasion.”
Before either of us can object, my mom whisks Leo away through the
party and onto the back patio. I watch them go, debating whether or not I
should follow and rescue him from my mom’s clutches. But just as I move
to do so, Addison intercepts me.
“Oh thank god, there you are,” she exclaims, holding up a piece of
paper. “One of the bartenders said they’re running low on these bottles and
asked me to get more. But I have no idea where they are.”
I chuckle at her bewildered expression. “I’ve got it,” I assure her, taking
the list from her hand. “Why don’t you go check on the glasses and try to
enjoy the party?”
“Glasses,” Addison repeats, nodding before hurrying off. “Now that I
can handle.”
Glancing around the room, I can’t help but smile at how smoothly
everything is going. This is our first holiday party for investors and staff,
and I made sure they could relax and have a good time. I even convinced
my mom to hire a catering company to take care of food, giving everyone
the chance to enjoy the night.
Turning, I make my way down the back hallway and look over the list
to see which wines I need to grab from storage. While this room is mainly
used for tours and aesthetics, it’s convenient during events so we don’t have
to trek over to the production building for supplies.
As the wooden door closes softly behind me, the room falls into a
deafening silence. I know I should get back to work, but I relish this
moment of peace and take my time. My thoughts drift to Nicolas,
wondering if he’s asleep or still awake. A pang of anxiety hits me, but I
shake it off and force myself to focus on the task at hand. Grabbing an
empty box from the floor, I place it on one of the empty barrels that serves
as a makeshift table.
Once I’ve collected all six bottles, I let out a sigh and reach for my
phone. Just as I’m about to dial a contact, a voice startles me and I nearly
drop my phone, barely catching it in time.
“You better not be texting Connor.” Noah’s voice comes from behind
me. Turning around, I cross my arms and scowl.
“So what if I was?” I deadpan.
His eyes bounce between mine, concern etched on his forehead before
pulling me into a hug.
“Connor has things under control. If not, he would call you right away.”
He reminds me for probably the hundredth time in just an hour.
“I know,” I grumble, resting my head against his chest. “I don’t know
why I’m so worried. It’s not like we went far. He’s literally next door.”
Noah presses his lips to the top of my head as he tightens his hold on
me.
“You worry because you care. Even when you went back to work earlier
this year, you made sure Nicolas was with you or nearby.” He pulls back
and cups my face in his warm hands, smiling softly down at me. “We just
need to be better about taking some time for ourselves.”
He’s right, and we both know it.
Over the past year, anytime Noah and I have gone on a date, Nicolas has
come along with us. Our parents and his brother have offered to babysit, but
the thought of leaving our baby was too difficult for us before tonight.
Sighing, I reluctantly step away from Noah and straighten out my dress.
Putting on a smile, I smooth down the front.
“Do I look okay?”
Smirking, he drops his gaze slowly down my body, lingering on my
exposed thigh. My body warms at his attention as he openly checks me out.
My dark green dress was chosen specifically for tonight’s winery
Christmas party. The top is a simple V-neck with loose short sleeves and a
sash that cinches just above my stomach. But it’s the slit up the side of the
skirt, revealing my legs with every step, that continues to steal Noah’s
attention.
 Stepping closer, he wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me against
his chest, leaning down until his lips are next to my ear.
“You look stunning, Sugar.”
I bite my lip, trying to control the rush of heat that floods my cheeks
when he compliments me. He reaches for my chin and tilts my head up to
meet his gaze.
“I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you all night,” he admits. “That
dress is driving me wild. All I can think about is getting you alone.”
I can’t help but murmur back, “Well, what do you know? You got me
alone.”
“Be careful, Sugar,” he warns with a low chuckle, brushing his lips
against mine. “My restraint is hanging by a thread.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” I whisper before pulling him closer by his tie
and finally kissing him.
Noah takes charge, gripping my hips as he leads me backwards. My ass
collides with the barrel behind me as he continues kissing me, leaving me
breathless. Shifting my weight, I wrap one leg around his hip and pull him
closer.
“Bri...” he groans my name, his hands slipping under my dress to push it
aside as our bodies grind together.
I can’t suppress my moan as he presses his hard length against my clit,
wishing there weren’t layers of clothing between us.
“Better keep it down, Sugar,” he murmurs, gripping my hips tightly to
hold me in place as he rubs his cock against me again. “Those beautiful
sounds are mine and mine alone.”
His fingers tease along the edges of my underwear, dipping in just
enough to leave me panting with anticipation.
“The door doesn’t lock,” he reminds me, kissing along my jaw and
down my neck. Despite his warning, two of his fingers trace over my
entrance and he groans. “You’re so fucking wet for me.”
I nod, biting my bottom lip to keep quiet.
“If we don’t leave this room right now, I won’t stop until you’re coming
around my cock, Bri.” His voice is low, the slight rasp shooting straight to
my clit as he pushes his fingers slowly inside me.
“Please,” I whimper, widening my legs in a silent invitation for him to
continue, but Noah pulls out abruptly with a curse.
 “Turn around and bend over the barrel,” he demands. Moving quickly, I
turn and hike up my dress so it pools around my hips before leaning
forward and bracing my elbows on top of the barrel.
Noah rubs a palm over my ass and hums in appreciation.
“Look at you,” his fingers graze over the fabric covering my pussy. “So
beautiful, wet and ready for me.”
He tugs my underwear down to my knees before the sound of his belt
coming undone echoes through the room. His fingers slowly pump back
into me as I stifle a groan by biting into my arm and rocking back into him.
My body hums with pleasure, tingles coursing through me as the pleasure
builds low in my stomach. Right when he hits that sweet spot inside me and
it feels like I’m going to explode, he pulls out.
Before I can protest, the head of his cock is there. He teases my
entrance, rubbing himself through my wetness and I push back against him,
desperate for him to be inside me.
Noah thrusts forward, barely pushing his length inside before pausing.
Draping over me so that his chest is on my back, he kisses my exposed
neck.
“As much as I enjoy all the wonderful sounds you make, keep it quiet,
Sugar,” he nips at my ear and chuckles. “Unless you want everyone out
there to know what it sounds like when you come with my cock buried deep
inside your tight pussy.”
I nod, clenching around him and biting down hard enough to leave a
mark on my arm. Noah’s breath hitches with a curse and he kisses behind
my ear before standing up.
With an almost bruising grip on my hips, he slams into me. My fingers
scrape against the wood as he finds his rhythm. Noah tilts my hips, forcing
me onto my tiptoes and there’s no stopping the sound that escapes as he
fucks into me at a delicious pace.
“Noah,” I whisper. The new angle allows him to hit my g-spot with
every thrust.
“So fucking perfect, taking me so beautifully,” he murmurs.
His hand leaves my hip and delves between my thighs, immediately
finding my clit. I whimper as my entire body tenses with the need to come,
and he presses his thumb in delicious circles.
“Come all over my cock, Sugar,” he commands, picking up his pace. I
can’t hold back any longer and my orgasm tears through me on his next
thrust.
“Such a good girl,” he growls, thrusting a couple more times before
joining me in ecstasy and calling out my name. Noah finishes and collapses
onto my back, bracing his arms on either side of mine atop the barrel.
“You know,” I chuckle breathlessly, “For as much as you told me to be
quiet, I think next time that reminder needs to be given to you.”
Noah laughs, slipping out of me with a groan as we both stand to
straighten ourselves out.
“Is fucking against barrels going to become a yearly tradition?” he
muses.
Turning to him, I smile at the mischief gleaming in his eyes,
remembering our rum tour sex-cation from last year. Closing the distance
between us, I help him straighten his tie with a shrug.
“Everyone has their own Christmas traditions,” I joke, pushing up to
kiss his cheek. “Besides, who says we have to wait for the holidays to do
this again?”
Noah laughs and wraps his arms around me, holding me close to his
chest.
“Fair point.”
A hair tickles my cheek and not wanting to move from his embrace, I
blow out a breath to get it off my face. But my eyes widen and snap up to
Noah.
“How obvious is it that we just fooled around?”
Smirking, he brushes the hair from my face, pure pride dancing in his
gaze as he cups my cheek.
“Oh very. You look deliciously fucked.”
Rolling my eyes, I kiss his palm before laughing and pushing him away.
“You are ridiculous.”
“And you love me for it,” he quips back, turning to pick up the box of
wine bottles I had come in here to get.
“Yeah, I really do.”
The End!

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 THANK YOU!

Thank you for reading Won’t Let You Get Away!

If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving an honest review!

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Neil- I don’t think that I could ever thank you enough. Not only for pushing
me to achieve my dreams, but for loving me through all my highs and lows.
Without your unending support and motivation this wouldn’t have been
possible. I love you to infinity and beyond.
Amy- Thank you for being by my side, encouraging and motivating me
to keep going daily. Thank you for being my sounding board and for
listening to all my worries, rants, and easter egg conspiracies. But more
importantly, thank you for ignoring what our parents taught us about
internet safety and taking a chance on a stranger you met on the internet.
Maggie & Mandy- Thank you for your unending encouragement and
support. For the late-night work calls, putting up with my 3am meme
spams, and the constant commentary, brainstorming and words of
affirmation or motivation. Thank you for being my safe space. You ladies
are the best mother duckers ever.
Rachel A- Thank you for being my sunshine.
My Street Team- Thank you for all the love for my first 3 books, for
taking the time to share them on social media and continue to support me
with Won’t Let You Get Away. I truly appreciate you all.
My ARC team- Thank you all so so much for taking the time to read,
review and help promote this book before its release. I appreciate the time
you took from your never ending TBR and the trust you placed in me.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My Readers- If you’re sticking with me after reading one of my first
three books- thank you for continuing with me.
If this was the first book you’re read by me- thank you for giving my
book a chance and I hope you give my other book babies a chance as well.

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 STAY IN TOUCH;

To keep up with Mikayla Christy, you can follow her on:

TikTok:
@authormikaylachristy

Instagram:
@authormikaylachristy

Facebook Reader group:

Mikayla Christy’s Reader Group

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ALSO BY MIKAYL A CHRISTY!

Bobcat Hockey
Cross Check My Heart
To Be Announced
SweetHeart Publishing & Assistance
To Be Announced
Cape Sodus
Until Tomorrow Comes
Clover Creek Farm
The Getaway
Won’t Let You Get Away
To Be Announced

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ABOUT ME:
Mikayla Christy lives in upstate New York- not anywhere close to the city-
with her husband, two dogs and cat. Most often she can be found curled up
under a mountain of fuzzy blankets and fur babies with a book/kindle in her
hands.
Throughout grade school, Mikayla found her love for reading and
collecting books. She would always be found shut away reading or wanting
to go to the bookstore, until life got busy after graduation. Seven years later,
after coming across a book recommendation on TikTok, she fell right back
into the joys of reading. Only this time, they weren’t YA.
Two years after, as she closes in on owning her own library, Mikayla
finally found the courage to write her own story with Cross Check My
Heart and continues finding joy in expanding on and creating new worlds &
characters.

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