The first book in a new heartwarming series from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Barbara Freethy, about love, family, friendship, and romance.

Ex-Marine Gabe Ryder has lost a lot in his life. His mother died when he was a toddler. His father succumbed to alcoholism. And a week before their last day of service, a horrific firefight takes the life of his best friend and brother-in-arms, Rob Hayden. Now Gabe must fulfill his friend’s dying wish by helping Rob’s twin sister, Alicia.

Alicia has been reeling since her brother’s death. She’s lost a part of herself that she isn’t sure she can get back. On top of that, her eight-year-old son is longing for a father, who she thinks she’s found in her boyfriend Keith. Then Gabe shows up, moving into Rob’s house, helping with the family rafting business, and looking into her love life, and Alicia is resentful.

But when Alicia’s son and his best friend run away, Alicia and Gabe realize they must face their deepest fears and work together to bring them back, before the river rises.