In the heat of war, Navy SEAL Trey Reyes made a promise: if things went sideways, he’d always look after his best friend’s widow. But he could never promise he wouldn't fall in love with her.

It’s been a year since Holly McGuire lost her husband. Now, she’s come to Marietta, Montana at Christmastime to finally begin again. She isn't looking for another husband—or another love story. She wants the one thing life never gave her: a child of her own. And she's made a private, no-strings-attached plan to make that dream come true.

There is only one problem.

Trey Reyes.

Holly’s late husband's former Navy SEAL commander and closest friend has been secretly watching over Holly for years, keeping both his promise and a far more dangerous secret: he’s loved her almost from the moment they met.

When Trey discovers what Holly is planning, his standing quietly on the sidelines is no longer an option. He doesn't want to choose Holly's future for her. He wants the chance to show her that wanting a family doesn't have to mean giving up on love.

In a Montana town glowing with Christmas lights, Holly came looking for a new beginning.

Could she actually find it with the man who's been there all along?

Barbara Ankrum