I opened my eyes, blinking back tears, desperate to salvage whatever was still legible.

Three digits of a phone number. Not the area code. Useless. A few smudged words I could barely make out. Incredible. Change. Strangers. At the end of the message, one letter had survived.

C.

The letter stood out like a beacon of hope I refused to let go of.

“Babe, what’s going on?” Lizzy asked as Josie helped me out of the water.

I ignored her. “What time is it?”

Lizzy gave me a funny look, then checked her phone. “Nine-ish.”

There might be time. “The airport’s only ten minutes away. Maybe I can catch him?”

“Catch who?” Josie called after me as I bolted inside.

“I need the car keys for the rental. I’m going after him!”

“Um, girl, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lizzy said from behind, “but maybe put some clothes on first?”

* * *

One Month Later - Anchorage, Kentucky

I’d spent two days bawling my eyes out. Forty-eight hours of taking test after test to confirm what couldn’t possibly be true. I’m pregnant.

My hand trembled as I picked up my phone and flipped it open. I had no plans to call my best friends or parents—not yet at least. There was only one person I was convinced could help.

My stepbrother was in the Air Force, and while he hadn’t been in the service too long, maybe he knew someone who could help. Since he was on leave, I assumed it’d be safe to call him.

Easton picked up on the second ring. He’d always been there for me—ever since my mom married his dad when I was fourteen and he was fifteen. He was the brother I’d always wanted but never had. He’d welcomed me into his family without any pushback, and I’d be forever grateful to him for helping me get through my mom remarrying after leaving my dad.

“Hey, you okay? It’s midnight your time.”

Is it? I dropped down on my bed and started sobbing all over again. I’d probably lost a pound of tears in the last forty-eight hours.

“Can you give me a minute alone?” I heard him whisper.

And crap, he probably had a woman in his bed.

He gave me time to get a grip and finish crying before asking, “Did someone hurt you? What’s wrong? How can I help?”

Holding the phone to my ear with my shoulder, I wrapped myself up in a blanket and sat up against the headboard. “I’m pregnant.” It was the first time I’d said those words out loud. Now they were real. No takebacks. It was happening.

A heavy breath fell over the line, creating static.

He had to be shocked. His never-in-trouble stepsister was now very much deep in it.