CURVEBALL - Landow AK

RIPLEY

I've loved my best friend's brother from the shadows since I was a kid...until I grew up and he finally noticed me. I promised him all my firsts and that's what I gave him.

We both moved on but ended up in the same city years later, with him playing professional baseball and me playing professional softball.

I was in a huge bind and he helped me...by marrying me.

It was our secret...until I messed things up.

QUINCY

I vowed never to get married and have kids...until my sister's sexy best friend needed help.

It wasn't all bad. A no-strings-attached marriage. A secret relationship.

But she caught feelings, so I did the only thing I could...I walked away.

Years later she's back in my life. The heat hasn't simmered, but I still can't give her what she wants. Can I?

I'm starting to wonder if I want more...until she drops a bomb on me.

The nine-month kind of bomb.