Can she trust his charming smile, or is he working with the enemy? Christmas is a time for miracles, and Dessa Courtland desperately needs one. The widow of an outlaw, and with two small children and another on the way, she's been shunned by neighbors who believe she is still consorting with outlaws. The leader of her husband's gang has been visiting because he thinks she has a pile of his ill-gotten gains, and he's given her until Christmas Eve to turn it over—or else. When a deputy falls down her chimney, her daughters think St. Nick has arrived early, but Dessa thinks the lawman is the answer to her prayers. Deke Elliot is on the trail of a notorious outlaw who also happens to be his uncle. Deke is sent to watch Dessa and catch his uncle, but when he is injured chasing a man off the roof of her dugout cabin, his plans go awry. He'd always thought Dessa Courtland wasn't the type of woman to have dealings with outlaws, and after spending time with her, he's certain she's innocent. He has a lot to do before Christmas Eve—make a plan, find the money, and catch his uncle to name a few. There's no time to fall in love, or is there?