Fate often guides us down a troubled path toward happiness. Do we have the courage to take it? Mary O'Brien feels at home among the Southern Mountain Ute tribe. Happy and content for the last fourteen years living among these kind and generous people, she is caught by surprise when a company of soldiers ride through the village and see her—a white woman with fiery red hair. Their commander decides she must be returned to her own kind, and soon she finds herself an outcast living among the prejudiced judgment of those who blame her for things she has no control over. All she wants to do is return to the mountains and live in peace—until an unexpected encounter in the forest changes everything. Doc Howard is known for his holistic approach to medicine. He prefers the healing ways of the Southern Ute, but that is a secret he must hide from everyone or suffer the consequences of misguided prejudices. But when a chance encounter with a mysterious red-haired woman reveals he knows more about her past than she does, his convictions are called into question. Doc knows that doing the right thing and returning her to her world will put his world in jeopardy. As much as he tries to deny the truth, circumstances soon reveal that he must gather his courage and take a stand or his choices will no longer be his to make. Mary and Doc—two lost souls, damaged and broken by the pain and suffering of tragic losses inflicted on their lives by forces beyond their control. Can they draw upon what’s left of their courage to put the past behind them and reach for the future, or will their fears keep them from grabbing hold of the love that could heal them both? Dear Reader: Please note, that within the pages of this historical Western romance lies a tale of two hearts in search of a true and lasting connection. To provide an authentic depiction of this passionate journey, this author will occasionally venture into more mature territory. Using adult language of the period and brief portrayals of private moments between characters, the story is advanced through natural and realistic descriptions to depict the true nature of developing human relationships.