Mom discovers that I’ve been keeping Carmel a secret from her and tells me that we’re not welcome at Apple Blossom B&B.

So I pack up my bags and head to the only place I can think of that will take me and a pregnant dog in…Jax.

Of course, he answers the door in just a towel with his hair damp and his chest glistening from water droplets. Thankfully, I regain my senses and ask him for a place to stay while I sort out my life. He’s hesitant, but agrees.

His only condition: I work my room and board off at his pub.

Which seemed easy enough. Until I see just how popular he is with the ladies and I hate that those pesky twinges of jealousy rise up in my chest when I see him enjoying that attention just a little too much.

I’m angry at my mom and I’m angry with Jax. One drunken night, I do the unthinkable. I ask Jax if his lips feel the same as they did when we were dating as teens.

His gaze turns dark as he stares at me and asks, “Do you want me to kiss you, Claire?”

I know I should say no, but I don’t. Now everything has changed but I’m still the same Claire with all the issues I that had before.

I know how our story ends. I’ve lived it before. Fate doesn’t want us together. Ever.

Juniper

I'm determined to put my life with Kevin behind me. Mom and dad? They aren't so convinced. Sure, they offer to let me work at Godwin's Grocery. But I wonder if it's just a way for my parents to keep tabs on me.

I haven't told them what happened with Kevin. My black eye speaks volumes all on its own. I know they want to know what happened. Especially since he's a Proctor: the wealthiest family in town.

But that's a road I don't want to go down—Until Kevin calls me. He's sorry for what he did and he wants to talk.

Mom and dad don't want me to go. Mom suggests that I take the new hire with me. His name is Boone and he looks like he belongs on the battlefield, not stocking shelves. I agree, but when Boone doesn't leave my side, my parents plan starts to unfold.

In the small town of Harmony Island, they found me a bone fide bodyguard. I'm annoyed and I let Boone know it. I'll be fine. My future doesn't include Kevin until—it does.