Rising From the Ashes

I'm a screw-up. Proof? On my first day back in town, I accidentally assaulted an officer, who also happens to be my brother's best friend… and the only man I've ever loved. The thing is, that's only a blip on my record of mistakes. And believe me, the list is so long it could practically be two—one for all my usual screw-ups and the other for all my mistakes involving Hayes.

I'm an imposter. Proof? No one in the small town of Benton Falls knows me—at least not really. They only see the side that I show them. The polished and professional side. The side that has it all together. And that's how I wanted it to stay…but unfortunately, all it took was one misplaced cigarette, a mishap with a tree, and the off-limits fire chief saving me from said tree to burn the whole facade to the ground.

I'm a liar. Proof? This smile fools everyone into thinking I've got it all together—that I'm happy, but in reality, I've been telling that lie since the day she left. The moment Ivy Cunningham ran away carrying our unborn child, I lost the man I once was and any hope in life. Sixteen years later, I'm one of Benton Falls' finest. To everyone in this small town, even my best friend, Hayes, I'm the quintessential cut-up, always ready with a joke. I take the hits, no matter who's throwing them, my brother, Hayes, or some reprobate I arrest in the line of duty.