Mary Mae Clark has learned the hard way that a man's promises cannot always be trusted. After being hurt by words that meant far less than she believed, she has no intention of risking her heart again. All she wants is to return to Santa Fe and help her friend Sophia care for her young son.
Warren Russell has spent the last four years freighting along the trail, and the solitary life suits him. No ties. No family. No love. Haunted by the belief that his neglect led to the deaths of his wife and young son, Warren is convinced he does not deserve another chance at happiness.
Then tragedy changes everything.
When Warren's best friend is killed in an accident on the trail, Warren unexpectedly becomes guardian to the man's ten-year-old niece, Polly. Completely unprepared to care for a child, he gratefully accepts Mary Mae's help-but only for the remainder of the journey. Once they reach their destination, Warren intends to take Polly and move on.
Polly, however, has plans of her own.
Certain that Warren and Mary Mae belong together, the determined little girl sets out to turn their temporary arrangement into something far more permanent. As Mary Mae and Warren work together to care for Polly and face the challenges of the trail, the carefully guarded distance between them begins to fade.
But Mary Mae cannot forget the broken promises of her past, and Warren cannot forgive himself for the family he lost.
With Christmas drawing closer, will Polly's matchmaking help two wounded hearts discover the family they never expected to find-or will guilt and distrust keep Mary Mae and Warren apart forever?
