Gruff as a bear with a thorn in his paw, cantankerous loner Russ Randall simply didn't need the aggravation of playing hero to a stranded lady and her adorable toddler. Yet the code of honor held by all Randall men wouldn't allow him to do anything less than bring mother and child into his home and give them shelter from the raging storm. When Russ learned Isabella Paloni was in a heap of trouble, something greater than honor had him proposing marriage—although Russ would deny with his last breath that he had any passion left in his hardened heart. But when they sealed their fate with a kiss, Russ wondered if this Randall wedding would lead him to a love greater than he'd ever known....