Years ago, Leah Hayes selflessly stepped aside when John Bennett fell for her vivacious stepsister. Now the man she still secretly cherished was ravaged by grief and struggling to raise his fragile little girl all alone. Unable to deny the lure of this fractured family, Leah returned to Montana over her summer break to lend a helping hand.

Although the brooding widower didn't exactly roll out the welcome mat for Leah, their close quarters ignited forbidden passions. And as the compassionate schoolteacher provided sweet solace to John's battered soul, she saw glimpses of the kindhearted man she'd always loved. Could they confront their deepest desires by summer's end...or would their hopes and dreams be lost to them forever?