When Willow's papa says they are bound for Oregon on the next wagon train. She can hardly fathom the ache of leaving everything familiar behind. Sure, there will be good things, too—like not saying goodbye to Gideon Riley, even though he's still oblivious to her. She keeps her emotions in tight check until a fit of melancholy sends her fleeing. If only Papa had given her a choice!

When Gideon sees Willow Chancellor run past with tears streaking her cheeks, he can't leave her heartbroken and alone. Her father should have mentioned the trip sooner so she could adjust. Gid finds her at the creek, and as she collapses into his arms, he pushes away thoughts of how easy it would be to get used to this. She deserves a man who can love her without the burden of past loss. He must keep his distance.

But when the cry of "fire!" goes up from town, they discover that it's the Chancellor's mercantile engulfed in flames!

And as Gideon scrambles to keep Willow from dashing into the inferno, he realizes that neither one of them may ever have a choice about their future again.