Lily Fairfax is drowning in grief and mourning the man she once loved when she finds herself tangled in a web of danger. She has no choice but to lean on a hired hand she barely knows for protection, though she vows she won't open her heart to love again.

Matt Grayson has been traveling with the Oregon-bound wagon train on a secret mission to recover a stolen jewel. He knows Lily's family is involved, and as he gets closer to Lily, he soon finds himself torn between his quest and protecting the tenacious woman who quickly captures his heart. Because of his deception, he finds himself part of a family forged on the wilderness trail.

But as the threat draws ever closer, Matt's secrets loom large. If Lily discovers the truth about him, Matt will lose the future he's barely allowed himself to dream of. And if he can't protect her, he might lose Lily completely . . .