They both have big goals. But will an unplanned baby derail their futures?

Madison craves so much more out of life. Counting down the days until she leaves for college, the eighteen-year-old dreamer is ready to escape her alcoholic mother and small-town nosiness. But wanting her first time to be with someone she trusts, she approaches her best guy friend with a sexy farewell proposition.

Hamilton’s excited for the next chapter. Drafted to MLB to start in the minor leagues, he treasures his one special night with his favorite girl as a fond send-off. And unwilling to let it become a final goodbye, he savors each word of their many texts and video calls to stay connected.

Her stomach dropping when she finds out she’s pregnant, Madison scrambles for a way to keep it secret from their tight-knit circle, continue her longed-for education, and not destroy her bestie’s promising baseball career. But though Hamilton is confused by her sudden distance, he discovers a desire for something deeper than friendship.

Will they open their hearts to each other, or will hard choices push them apart?

The Locals is a New Adult small-town, sports romance.series. If you like fun casts of characters, coming-of-age drama, and slow-burn relationships, then you’ll love Haley Rhoades’s beautiful 4 book series.

The Locals Series

An hour later, the five of us still sit around the table, our empty plates in front of us. Madison cleared Liberty’s tray and placed a few toys on it to entertain her. I wonder if other two-year-olds would entertain themselves for this long in a highchair. The guilt of cooping her up in a car for six hours later today eats at me. She needs to run around while she can.


I extricate her from the tray and buckled belt, lowering her to the floor, allowing her escape. Immediately, she heads to the front room and all of her toys. Unfortunately, my mom decides to rid up the table once I get up. That was not my intention; I enjoy visiting at the table. It’s rare that I get to slow down and relax like this.


I lean next to Mom at the sink while she rinses syrup off a couple plates. I pause. Her eyes are closed, and she’s attempting to pull in long, calming breaths. I place my hand on her back, and her eyes fly open.


“What’s wrong?” I ask, fear rising in my throat.


Chapter 159: Hamilton