Where the Wind Lost Its Shore

The second time, Whitney Thompson was in the hospital, where she ran into Colton Jones and Janice Moore, the college student who was there for a prenatal checkup.Colton's eyes were bloodshot as he spilled his guts. "Whitney, I was overseas on business half a month ago when I got into a wreck. Janice pulled me from the wreckage, saving my life, even though the car could've blown up any second."Later, we found out she was pregnant. My grandmother threatened to take her own life if I refused to keep the child. "He wrapped Whitney up in a desperate hug, his voice shaking like a leaf. "Please don't leave me. I swear, once the baby's born, I'll send her packing, and the kid will be dropped off at the family estate. They'll be out of your hair for good."She took his word for it.The third time, they were at an auction, both eyeing her late mother's treasured sapphire necklace.That necklace was Whitney's mother's pride and joy, the only thing she had left of her.However, Colton wa

"Whitney! You're awake at last!"When she opened her eyes the next day, Colton was there, lying next to her.He touched her forehead, his eyes filled with worry. "Why didn't you call me when you got a fever? Do you have any idea how freaked out I was to find you passed out?"'Would calling you have made a difference? You were busy with Janice and your kid, weren't you?' she thought bitterly."I'm fine now," she said, her voice raspy as she brushed his hand aside.Colton's brow creased with concern. "You're not happy?""It's nothing.""I know when you're not happy," he said, bending down to plant a gentle kiss on her hair."Remember how you've always wanted to go horseback riding at the ranch? Let's go, okay?"He spoke with a tenderness that harkened back to better days, and began to assist her in getting ready with a soft touch she could not resist.Just as she was dressed and about to head out, Janice peeked in shyly. "Mr. Jones, Mrs. Jones, are you off to ride horses? I'm s

The room went still, charged with tension. The nurse, clutching the medical record, made a quick exit, leaving Whitney and Colton staring at each other, a silent standoff at the doorway."Still upset about the blood test?"Colton seemed to catch on to something as he moved closer, reaching out to caress her cheek. "Life and death, Whitney. I had no other choice."Whitney dodged his hand, leaving it hanging awkwardly in the air.Colton pulled back and softened his voice. "Once things settle down, how about we escape to the mountains for a little getaway?"She closed her eyes, too tired to reply.He waited, but silence hung between them."So, when do you get out of here?" he prodded.A twinge of suspicion nudged her, and she opened her eyes to look at him. "What's going on?"He paused, then admitted, "Janice is craving your cream of mushroom soup... She swears by your recipe."Shock rooted her to the spot, a whirlwind of emotions, anger, pain, and the ridiculousness of it all,

Whitney could not stand another word and walked out to the backyard pool.The night air was refreshingly cool. She had just settled by the poolside when Janice came up behind her."Mrs. Jones," she said, stroking her swollen belly with a sweet smile, "Mr. Jones promised to buy me a villa in Springfield after the baby's born."And did you know," she whispered conspiratorially to Whitney, "why Mr. Jones couldn't control himself that night after he got drugged? At the party, I wore a white dress, just like your favorite one. He thought I was you. So, in a way, I have you to thank for my good fortune..."Whitney was about to respond when,Splash!Janice toppled headlong into the pool, water spraying everywhere."Help! My baby……" Her desperate cries rang out as she thrashed in the water.By the time everyone rushed over, they were met with this sight:Janice flailing in the water, Whitney standing by the pool, her face a mask of indifference.The whole Jones family was in an uproa

Colton rushed into the hospital to find Janice in bed, tears streaming down her face."Janice!"He wrapped her in his arms, whispering soothing words.Her tears spilled onto his suit, darkening the fabric. "It hurts so much. I was at the mall, trying to pick out a tie for you, and I just... I fell..."She choked up. "Mr. Jones, I'm so sorry. If we lose the baby, I'll let you down, and grandmother too...""There, there," Colton stroked her belly and tenderly wiped away her tears. "Our baby's fine. Don't worry."Janice tried her best to look forlorn."Mr. Jones, I'm aware that it's only because I'm pregnant with your child that I've been able to stay by your side and be cared for by you."Mr. Jones, the truth is..."Janice hesitated. "I've always been in love with you. So when you were drugged, I was the one who took care of you that night."She held onto his hand tightly."That's why, when I saw you in trouble on the road, I didn't think twice about my pregnancy and rushed to