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“They might suspect, but they won’t say anything.” Dani glanced down at the packet expectantly. “Are you going to put it back or read it?”

Hannah was torn. She knew it was an invasion of privacy, especially since Blake had obviously been hiding it. But on the other hand, it was addressed from Texas and looked official.

Unable to resist, she pulled out the papers inside and read the letter on top.

Dear Sergeant Kline,

We would like to invite you to the unveiling of our “Gone But Not Forgotten” memorial, where we will be honoring your late wife and all of those who have lost their lives in service to the military and their families. If you could let us know whether you will be attending, we would be happy to set up accommodations for you and your family.

With Regards . . .

Hannah’s eyes blurred.

“Hannah, what is it?”

“The military is honoring Blake’s wife.”

Dani took the letter from her, a surprised expression on her face. “Why would he hide this away?”

“Because he’s not going,” she said bitterly.

Dani gave her a wary look. “Maybe it’s too painful for him.”

Hannah knew that was partly it, but how was not dealing with his past healthy? How could he not want to honor Jenny, a woman he had supposedly loved?

Because he isn’t ready to let go.

Hannah stood up and took the letter from Dani when she held it out to her. Shoving the whole packet back under the sink, she stood with a shaky sigh.

“Does Blake know you’re pregnant?”

Hannah shook her head, her hand on the doorknob. “No. I’m not ready to tell him yet.”

Not until she knew whether or not he was ready to really put the past to bed.

“Just don’t keep it from him. I think Blake is a good man and would be a really good father. Children need that.”

Hannah opened the door, and they headed back out to the party, but Hannah was stuck inside her head. She wanted to tell Blake, of course she did. He would be a kind, loving father, and any child would be lucky to have him.

But if things weren’t going to work out between them, did she really want to bring a child into this world?

BLAKE WAS RELIEVED when the last of his friends left. As much fun as it was to sit around and shoot the shit, he’d hardly seen Hannah all week, and he missed her. He wanted to get her alone, naked, and kiss her until they were both too exhausted to speak.

He walked into his kitchen and found her in front of the sink, washing dishes. Milo lay right behind her, his head lifting when Blake entered the room. The two of them had seemed to form a sort of truce, although he still didn’t seek out affection from Blake.

Coming up behind her, Blake wrapped his arms around her waist and splayed his hands over her stomach. He took her earlobe into his mouth and sucked.

“I’m almost done,” she said.

“Just leave them, and I’ll finish later.”

His mouth traveled down the side of her neck.

“I’m not in the mood, Blake.”

Her snapping tone surprised him. He’d never heard her talk like that.

“Hey, what’s up? Are you mad at me?”