*Lauren*

The gravel crunched beneath my sandals as I quickened my pace while doubts buzzed through my mind like aggressive bees, refusing to be swatted aside. Had Lucas found out? Was this the end of us? The familiar saying echoed mockingly in my head: no one ever says "we need to talk" and follows it up with good news.

Shelby's life seemed so neatly bundled—red hair, gray eyes, smart humor for days, two beautiful twins, and a love story that I wanted more than I ...