Central Iowa, 1883 It's been five years since Brett Richards rode out of Cutter's Corner, Iowa, and out of Ester Larson's life. Now he's back to collect his orphaned siblings, and the very sight of him rekindles desire Ester thought was gone forever. The intensity of his kiss proves Brett hasn't forgotten her either, and offers her a second chance to follow her heart. But he's made it clear he's going back to the dangerous frontier—with or without her... .