Prologue

Ryan and I sat at the bar sipping on beer. We had just finished a major case and were celebrating, well at least trying to celebrate. Everything just seemed so dull well at least to me. I knew Ryan had a plethora of things on his mind with his wife Rebecca being pregnant with twins; a boy and a girl. He didn't feel ready to be a father. I understand I honestly do but he should have thought about that before he "baked" cause now he has not one but two buns in the oven.

"Ryan you have to stop worrying man." I sigh and pat his back.

" I can't help but worry Colt ... my wife is having babies, our children, I can't help but wonder if I'll be a good enough father."

"Do you love your kids?" I asked

"What kind of question is that of course I do!" He snapped glaring at me slightly.

"An important one, what I learned about children is that children will soon be both a strength and weakness, children are precious and require love and protection. Don't completely shelter your children, your children need to experience the world and no matter how much you want to protect them from every pain and heart break there are times when you can't protect them from everything. Ryan you're going to be a great father I promise you."

"Thanks Colten man when did you get so smart?" He chuckled and I was about to answer when a feminine voice rang through the bar.

"Help me! Can someone please help me?" Her voice sounded strained. I instantly rush over and the sight I saw was horrific. Her beautifully pale skin was bruised that were purplish-black. Her lip was spilt and bleeding. She struggled to make it to the bar counter. I was to her side promptly. I wrapped my arm around her waist as she was about to collapse. She winced in pain when I held her.

"Peyton..." Ryan exclaimed his eyes widened in shock.

"Ryan..." She managed to breath out before passing out from too much pain.

"You know her?" I asked while picking her up gentle bridal style

"Peyton...she's my little sister."