He hired a governess, but what retired officer Tristan Willoughby-Smith needs is a wife. Not on his behalf, but to protect little Dora and Freddie. When Caroline Bradley arrives at his Wyoming ranch, she seems perfectly suited—capable, efficient, intelligent…if a trifle too appealing.

Caroline knows what a real union of hearts should be, and the major's polite, no-nonsense offer hardly qualifies. Still, she accepts for the children's sake, little knowing the complications the marriage will bring to test her confidence and her faith. Yet in this unusual match, Caroline starts to see a glimmer of something strong and true—the makings of the family she never thought she'd find…