Tessa Stafford will do anything for her daughter, Isabel...even stay on the run to protect Isabel from her narcissistic grandmother. But when her car breaks down in Painted Pony Creek, Tessa gets caught up in the warm embrace of the town and feels safe enough to build a home--and a life--for them both. Love is the last thing on her mind until rugged cowboy and lawyer Jesse McKettrick's sexy smile and easy way tempt her into imagining more. But can she trust this handsome stranger with her heart? When Tessa and her adorable daughter blow into town, Jesse McKettrick is smitten--by both the little girl and her beautiful mother. He's always wanted a family of his own. Maybe this Christmas, his wish will finally come true. But the walls around Tessa are impenetrable, and when Tessa's past threatens their newfound future--and the family he's come to love--Jesse won't let them go without a fight.