A quiet ranch in the Oregon desert gives Mary O'Roarke the solace she craves after a painful childhood. Concealing her growing feelings for her boss, government agent Lou Riley, is a small price to pay. Then an abandoned little girl is placed in Mary's care, awakening dreams she's all but forgotten.

In all the years Lou has known her, how could he not have noticed Mary's courage and warmth? Seeing her care for a child is a bittersweet reminder of the lonely widower's loss. But if Mary won't give up on young Josie–not even when real danger approaches–then Lou can't give up on bringing this unlikely family together for good.