Becoming a teen mother at sixteen was never how you expect to have your first child. One hookup at some dudes party left you pregnant, terrified and utterly alone. You barely remembered the guy—you were drunk and so was he.

When your parents found out that you were pregnant, they were more than disappointed. They were mad, and made you feel even worse than you already did, telling you to get rid of it or you won't be allowed to commit living under their roof. You didn't. God, did you think about it. So, so long. Yet, you couldn't and wouldn't do something just because your parents said so. So, once you finished high school, you took your money that your parents saved you for college, and left.

That's how you landed in the Outer Banks, with a—at that time—two year old daughter, Lenora. It wasn't always easy, definitely not. There were times where you thought you did the wrong thing, that your parents were right, but that thought quickly vanished whenever you looked at your daughter's smile. It was never easy, but you would do it over and over again. You didn't regret it. Not ever.

That's where you met Rafe Cameron, who, till now, was your biggest support. He would, whenever you were working at the small café, babysit Nora until you finished working. He was, which you realised, really the only person who was always there for you, and you're now almost four year old Nora. So many times Rafe has offered to help with the money, which you always denied. You were thankful for him, truly grateful, but you could never accept money from someone else.

Tonight, just like every day you had a shift at the café, Rafe Cameron was taking care of Nora, while you were making money. It was already six o'clock, and you finally had finished your shift. Opening the door to your apartment, a shiver ran down your spine at how quiet it was. Too quiet.

Before panic could set into your lungs, you heard the familiar soft giggle coming from the garden. Following the sound to the backdoor, you found Nora running around, her pigtails bouncing with each step, before Rafe caught her. "Gotcha." His voice, usually strict and flat, was impossibly soft and caring. A smile gazing at his usually pressed in line lips, making him look younger, happier.