Sophie

Give me a break.

When I agreed to be Lance's fake date to that party, I hadn't anticipated on it ending with him going back to his ex. Maybe I jumped to conclusions about how his night went. He didn't take her back after all, but it doesn't help when she shows up again. Or when his mother is convinced that she's the one who's just right for him.

I can't escape how he feels just right for me.

We're already getting close, living together and being semi-responsible pet owners. It's so easy to envision us being a real couple forever.

I wish he could've been stronger and stood up for me when his mother finds out that I've been doing a lot more than cleaning the house-or trying to. But it all comes down to what I should dream for, and what I can lose when I have a chance for my big break.

Lance

Talk about a lucky break.

When I clammed up at the idea of my ex preying on me, it backfired. Maybe I was too weak to stand up to her since I loathe confrontations. Sophie gets me though, and she understands me like no other. Not even my mother, who seems stuck on wanting the wrong woman to be her daughter-in-law.

I'm stuck on how I can keep the right woman this time.

We click and collide, over cars, vet visits, and how she won't disappoint her grandfather.

I wish she could have faith in us when my mother threatens to fire her. But it all boils down to what I've been dreaming about for so long, starting a family and being truly happy with the woman who needs to decide if this is the moment we break away from all the expectations holding us apart.

Big Dreams, Start Small Series

• Book 1 - Never Settle
• Book 2 - Embrace Change
• Book 3 - Dream Boldly