Knox Erikson likes his life steady, quiet, and firmly under control. As the behind-the-scenes legal researcher for his family’s law firm, he’d rather bury himself in case files than step foot into a courtroom. But when he takes on helping Carrie Sharp escape her abusive siblings, Knox finds himself pushed into the center of a battle he never expected — and one that hits closer to his heart than he cares to admit. Just when Knox starts to think he understands “complicated,” Elaine Westcock blows into town. Fresh out of the service, broke, exhausted, and sleeping in her car, Elaine isn’t expecting much more than a chance at a teaching job. Instead, the tiny town wraps her in unexpected kindness, a hot meal, and a place to land. She’s tough, honest, and unshakably practical — and Knox can’t help noticing her… even if he insists he isn’t looking for anything more than friendship. As Knox juggles family, justice, and the growing storm surrounding Carrie’s upcoming trial, Elaine is building a new life from scratch, determined not to lean on anyone — especially a man who seems determined to carry the world on his shoulders. Neither of them is searching for love. But sometimes love finds you anyway… right when you need it most.