A promise to a fallen brother-in-arms. A baby he never expected. The one woman he shouldn’t want. And a threat he can’t ignore. When I stepped off the bus in Haven Springs, I was determined to keep a promise I’d made to my fellow Marine, Shawn O’ deliver the engagement ring he’d bought for Lainey Beaumont. The firefight that killed Shawn left me with permanent injuries and scars—and the guilt of surviving weighs heavy on me. Romance was the last thing on my mind. Then I met Lainey. She’s strong, beautiful, and determined to build a life for herself and her baby—Shawn’s baby he never even knew about. Every time I feel that spark of attraction, the guilt hits me like a punch to the gut—like I’m betraying my best friend. As I help Lainey navigate the challenges of single motherhood, I realize there’s more to Haven Springs than meets the eye. A threatening letter hints at secrets someone wants to keep buried—and my protective instincts flare as danger creeps closer. In a town where everyone knows your name—and your past—I find myself drawn to Lainey in ways I never expected. But can I overcome the guilt and embrace the future, or will the ghosts of the past keep us apart forever?