Ethan Sullivan pushed open the door.

Sophia Laurent stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her slender silhouette edged in silver moonlight. The sea breeze gently lifted strands of her hair.

He approached and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"What's on your mind?" His chin rested on her shoulder.

Sophia sighed. "Another failure."

Ethan tightened his embrace. "No rush."

"It's been three months." She turned, her eyes glistening. "Every pregnancy test shows a single line. I'm starting to forget what two lines look like."

He cradled her face. "The doctor said this is normal."

"But I'm scared." Her voice trembled. "What if we never—"

"Shh." He silenced her with a kiss. "Don't say that."

Sophia leaned against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

"Let's take a walk," she said suddenly.

Ethan draped a cashmere scarf around her neck and pulled a knit cap over her head. Only her damp eyes were visible in the moonlight.

Their footprints trailed across the beach.

A bodyguard halted. "Mr. Sullivan, we're being followed."

Shane Prescott emerged from the shadows. "It's me."

Ethan exhaled. "Still awake at this hour?"

"Couldn't sleep." Shane scanned the surroundings. "Things have been unsettled lately."

The three walked side by side, waves crashing rhythmically.

Back in the hotel lobby, Shane froze.

Luna Valentine sat on a sofa, scrolling through her phone. Sensing his presence, she looked up abruptly.

"You...?" Shane's Adam's apple bobbed.

"Mission canceled." She rose, her combat boots leaving faint impressions on the carpet.

Sophia watched them wistfully. "Youth is wonderful."

Ethan pinched her nose. "Are we ancient?"

"I meant romance." Sophia pouted. "We skipped that phase."

"Shall we make up for it now?" Ethan suddenly knelt on one knee. "Miss Laurent, would you honor me with a date?"

Sophia laughed through her tears. "Childish."

The room was warm, the heater humming.

Ethan handed her a mug. "Drink it while it's hot."

She took small sips, then whispered, "If we really can't..."

"No ifs." He cut her off. "We want you, not just a baby."

Next door, Luna sat rigidly upright.

"My father sent me." Her tone was direct. "But I came because I wanted to see you."

Shane chuckled. "Honest as ever."

"I won't lie to you." Her fingers twisted together. "He said to play hard to get, but I don't know how."

He took her hands. "Just be yourself."

"But I'm afraid." The usually decisive soldier seemed lost. "Your family is so prominent, I..."

"Shh." Shane pressed his forehead to hers. "Listen. I fell for you exactly as you are."

Luna's eyes grew moist.

Even the strongest hearts falter when love makes them vulnerable.