James Butler Hickok was feared by many a man. His reputation tainted and fake he's constantly having to prove he's not the man the stories say he is. When everyone around him always seems to get hurt he finally closes him himself off from those who care. Or so he had thought. Tessa Montgomery was a child when she met the strong handsome help Hickok. Forming a bond with him was the last thing her father had wanted. But stopping it was inevitable. Or so she had thought. Once her father fired him and forced him off the ranch Tess' hopes of true love were squashed. Now, three years later and three years older she can't help but feel a deep urge to flee North Dakota and head out to the unknown before her awaited fate catches up. a girl no longer and chased by her demons, she runs to the only man she truly trusts...or loves.