She didn’t have family connections. She didn’t have money or prestige. She was a simple college student eking out a living on a waitress’s salary.

Until Ryan.

Everything had changed for her, and maybe she’d been too caught up in the fairy tale that was her relationship with Ryan to ever question the important things. Like whether he loved and trusted her.

How would he react now if once again she tried to tell him what had really happened the day he’d tossed her out of his life? He hadn’t believed her then. Why would now be any different?

Tears blurred her vision as her thoughts drifted back to that day.

* * *

Kelly stared at the pregnancy test, a mixture of joy and worry bubbling through her chest. She quickly hid the stick and then smiled as she imagined telling Ryan the news. She didn’t think he’d be upset. They were planning to marry soon and they’d often talked of their desire to start a family.

She couldn’t wait to tell him. She searched her memory for what he had going on at the office today. He didn’t have any important meetings and he was supposed to be in his office for the entirety of the afternoon. That meant she could pop in and surprise him.

She hugged herself in excitement, nearly dancing across the floor of their bedroom as she imagined his reaction.

A noise from the living room halted her. Then she smiled. Oh, this would be perfect. Ryan was home. He sometimes surprised her by dropping in for lunch. Today his timing was impeccable.

She started to call out to him when Jarrod appeared in the doorway to the bedroom.

She was momentarily speechless. While Jarrod popped in frequently, he always did so when Ryan was at home. He had to know Ryan was working today.

“Jarrod, what are you doing here? Ryan’s at work. I don’t expect him home until later.”

“I came to talk to you,” Jarrod said.

She cocked her head to the side. “Okay. What’s up? Let’s go into the living room.”

He ignored her and took another step into the bedroom. Unease prickled down her spine. Something was definitely off with him.

“How much would it take for you to walk away from Ryan?”

Her eyes widened in shock. She couldn’t have heard him correctly. “Excuse me?”

“Don’t play dumb. You’re a smart girl. How much would it take for you to dump Ryan and take off?”

“You’re offering me money? Did your mother put you up to this? You’re both out of your minds. I love Ryan. He loves me. We’re getting married.”