Everett Smith had planned to retire from the military, he had his goals plainly in sight for another dozen or so years. A phone call from his hometown brought those plans to a screeching halt. His high school sweetheart and the only girl he'd ever loved was, finally, divorced from her abusive husband. Now after fulfilling the last two years of his four-year commitment, he was on his way home to try to win back his girl.

Janet Anderson's life had settled into a wonderful routine. She was supporting herself and her two kids. Her ex-husband was in prison after beating her senseless and then resisting arrest, threatening to kill anyone who tried to keep him away. Her mom happily watched her kids if she wanted a night out with friends. Life was good.

When her old boyfriend Everett walked into the bar the night of the welcome home party for her brother, Janet was shocked to see him. It had been eighteen years since he'd joined the army and left their town. During her disaster of a marriage she'd sometimes wondered what if... but that did not mean she was interested in a second time around with the gorgeous man. No, it did not.