Southern Heart

Evan

They tell you that a parent’s love is all-consuming. I never put much thought into it. Not until the minute I heard her take her first breath. That little girl is my world. I’d do anything to protect her.

My ex signed over her rights, and her family vowed that my daughter didn’t exist. Now that she’s gone, they want my little girl. They’re trying to say I can’t give her what she needs.

They’re wrong. I’m gearing up for the fight of my life, and when my best friend’s little sister offers to help, I take her up on it. I’ll do anything to keep my daughter with me.

McKinley

I’ve known Evan all my life. Our families’ farms run parallel with each other. He and my brother Aaron have been best friends for as long as I can remember.

What they’re trying to do is wrong. He needs my help, someone he can trust, and I’m more than happy to do it. I volunteered without hesitation.

I should have thought about what it would be like to have our lives intertwined. I should have thought about what would happen when our time together ended and how my heart would feel when I had to walk away.

Mike

I had everything I ever wanted, living the dream, at least that’s what I always thought.

The night we met, we had an instant attraction, but she was with someone else. When we reunited a few months later, she was single, and that pull was still there, stronger than ever. So strong that even though she lived hundreds of miles away, I pursued her.

I told myself that I just wanted to get to know her. Deep down, I knew it was more.

 I hate the distance between us, but am I willing to give up my legacy for her?

Jamie

I never understood the draw of living in the middle of nowhere. My dream life is in the city.

I’ve never had the desire to leave the city. Who would have thought a weekend trip to the country would have me questioning that decision? It was more than just the country air and the thousands of stars in the midnight sky. It was him.

The way he looks at me, treats me, and that smooth southern drawl.

The distance is too much, but am I willing to give up my dream for him?

Olivia

“Surprise me.” The words slipped out before I even knew I was saying them.

David has asked me to marry him every single day. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes in passing, but always with hope in his eyes. Deep down, we both knew that I wasn’t ready.

But now I am.

I’m ready to begin our forever. Ready for the life we’ve dreamed about during long talks and quiet nights. I’ve kept that future at arm’s length for too long, afraid to reach for it. But not anymore. It’s time to start our life together.

David

I knew from our very first date that she was the one.

I’ve asked her to marry me more times than I can count, though never on one knee. Not properly. Not officially. I always knew she wasn’t quite ready, but I wanted her to know that I was.

Now, everything’s different.

She’s ready. And this time, when I get down on one knee and ask her to be mine forever, it has to be perfect.