Willamenia Cogsdale, queen of barrel racing, has "history" with Lee Hawks, local rancher. On her return to Cactus Gulch with a two-year-old little girl, she still refuses to name the father. Her widowed father and grandfather aren't happy with that situation, but they recognize the rodeo isn't the place to raise a child. In love with Willamenia since their school days, Lee has made a life for himself after leaving her, and the rodeo circuit, a couple of years earlier. Encouraged to make his feelings known, he seems unable to do that in words, but his actions are clear. Even though deep down Willamenia is still in love with him, she's not yet ready to admit it—not until a small fire and her grandfather's words push her into Lee's arms. Willamenia will do anything for her child, but revealing the truth may be one of the hardest things she's ever done.