Bailey Novak
I never planned to be the guardian of my nephews. Figured I'd have some adventures first. But when my dear sister, Tessa, got cancer, everything changed. I moved in to help out and as she got to the end of her life, she asked me to take Derek and Seth, and of course I said yes. They’re her boys—and now they’re mine. My world. Most days, I manage fine. I trade reading time for bedtime routines, escape into books once the house goes quiet. I had a routine.
But then into my life comes Tye Kittering, with that smile and those eyes that read far too much. He’s a distraction I don’t need… and yet, somehow, I can’t stop turning the page.
Tye Kittering
I used to think the rodeo was everything—the noise, the crowd, that eight-second ride that made you feel like somebody. Like you mattered. I chased that feeling for years. But then came the injury, and everything shifted. Now I’m back in Kittering Creek, trying to figure out what’s left of me when I’m not strapped to a bronc. I’m helping out around the ranch, putting in hours at the library of all places, and pretending I’m not completely thrown off by Bailey Novak. She’s steady where I’m scattered. Smart, quiet… and somehow always in the back of my mind. But she has those two nephews of her that she's responsible for. They are her priority and I"m a bit scared to take that on.
Yet, I can't stay away from her or the boys. I didn’t come back looking for anything—especially not love—but it’s funny how life keeps rewriting your plans.
Seth and Derek
It’s just me, Seth, and Aunt Bailey now. She wasn’t supposed to be our mum, but she kind of is. She reads a lot—like, a lot—and sometimes forgets to take the laundry out because she’s stuck in a book. But she makes our lunches, takes us to practice, and never gets mad when Seth cries at night. Says he’s allowed. I try not to, but sometimes I do too. Tye Kittering’s our new hockey coach.
At first I thought he’d be one of those guys who just yelled a lot, but he doesn’t. He shows us stuff. Believes we can do better—even when we mess up. Seth thinks he’s awesome. I think he’s all right. But Aunt Bailey gets all weird when he’s around. I think she likes him, even though she tries to act like she doesn’t. I like it when she laughs. I also like it when she buys us treats. That doesn't happen a lot, but we sure enjoy it when she does.
