Chapter 19

Stella

"Looks like you had a good night."

A smile spreads across my face as I hear the voice behind me in the line at the Quick Mart. I left Ransom's with just enough time to grab some coffee and still be able to make it to the office on time. Taking a drink, I hope it cures some of the exhaustion I feel, thanks to my late night. Truth is, I wouldn't change it. It was hard leaving Ransom this morning. But it'll be worth it to see the guy behind me. Turning, I face my brother, Nick.

What's weird is I never thought I'd have a brother. My parents were happy with me, and then having tried for years afterward, were content with me being an only child. Until, fate intervened, like it seems to do with the Keplers. I can still remember the day he came to live with us. He was so quiet, scared of everything, and called Dad, Sir. It took him months to get comfortable, but we never gave up.

I can still remember the night Dad came home from his shift, him quietly telling Mom and me about t