Eager to escape her abusive father, Lydia Duncan had chosen the life of a mail order bride. As soon as winter ends, she will be traveling west to marry Mr. Jacob Jefferson. However, before she can leave, her mother dies during childbirth, leaving Lydia alone with the tiny baby. Knowing her father would never tend to the child properly, Lydia decides to take the infant with her to her husband—without telling him first.

Jacob Jefferson is a good man, but he is none too pleased to see Lydia arrive with an unexpected baby. Though it is clear he does not believe Lydia’s words, he allows her to stay with him and his sister until he decides what to do. And while Jacob is a generous soul, he haunted by a terrible tragedy—and a fear of losing again. Can he finally open his heart to another risk?