He never anticipated a surprise Christmas gift from an old flame… When Special Forces Soldier Wolf Conte heads home to Texas on leave, he’s not looking for any reunions or connections. He’ll stealth check on his secret biological half-brothers and resist the temptation to dwell on the one he let get away. His plan instantly derails when he steps in to protect his ex, Taya Youngblood, from an amorous drunk. Now he risks arrest, exposing his true identity and losing his mind when he sees Taya, beautiful and furious, holding a toddler with his eyes. Taya grew up barrel racing and training horses. Nothing throws her off her stride until Wolf unexpectedly and dramatically arrives two years after she laid down a rash ultimatum. Now she must confess to the man who said no to marriage, children and settling down and ranching with her, that he’s a daddy. She’s prepared for anger, but not his steely response—he’ll move home to raise their child…together. Parenting with Wolf is a dream and nightmare. Will obligation and duty ever make way for love?