Chapter 1

Gigi Ellars moves to Prescott, Montana, with her four-year-old daughter, Rowen, fulfilling late Ben’s push for a fresh start. They arrive at the secluded Coppersmith Farmhouse, explore its rooms, and settle in, relieved to find it clean and welcoming. After a week of unpacking and painting Rowen’s room, their new life begins to take shape.

On her first day at Jamison Valley Hospital’s ER, Gigi meets bubbly nurse Maisy Holt and learns the basics while hearing town gossip about the new doctor, Everett Carlson. Dr. Carlson appears mid-conversation, just as an emergency call announces an assault victim en route in critical condition.

Gigi and Maisy mobilize under Dr. Carlson’s direction, prepping the unidentified, severely beaten man for surgery. The violence rattles Maisy, and Gigi comforts her after the patient is rushed to the OR, hoping he survives.

Deputy Milo Phillips arrives needing stitches from a deep cut, likely related to the assault scene, though he refuses to discuss it. While Gigi cleans his wound, the sheriff storms in, furious that Milo failed to notify him properly, then steadies Milo and orders him to the station.

The sheriff catches Gigi’s earlier stare, snaps at her, and demands she finish quickly, creating instant animosity despite Gigi’s initial physical attraction. He leaves, and Gigi’s first day ends with high stakes: a brutal crime, shaken colleagues, and a combustible first impression with the town’s powerful lawman.