A Reason to Stay

I'm finally free.

College was supposed to be my ticket to freedom and independence, my escape from my controlling and unsupportive parents. But one choice made on a night in September of my Freshman year changed the trajectory of my life forever.

I met a handsome man from another state. It was just one night, but Andrew Greenwood ruined me for all others… and left me with a permanent reminder of our night together. Two reminders, actually. Two beautiful, innocent reminders in the form of his twin sons, who I will love with all my heart for the rest of my life.

But it's becoming impossible to take care of the boys on my own.

I thought I'd be okay, but my luck keeps going south. The last thing I want to do is move back home with my judgmental parents, and all my friends have bailed. When I hit rock bottom, I swallow my pride and give Andrew a call, sure he won't even remember me.

But he does remember. He shows up… and he takes us home.

It's only for a while. Only until the twins are older and can go to daycare. Only until I get back on my feet, so I can follow my dreams and go back to my life.

I'm pretty sure Andrew is only helping me because he feels guilty. But the more time we spend together acting like a happy little family, the more I want him to give me a reason to stay.

A Reason to Stay is an age-gap, accidental pregnancy, forced proximity standalone. It takes place as a prequel to the Greenwood Valley serial webnovel series. This work was originally published under the title A Second Chance at Beautiful. The story has been edited and expanded.