The former soldier’s holiday homecoming takes a twist when he sees his childhood crush. Bea Fraser never thought she’d return to Wirralong, but when her grandmother breaks a hip, the devoted schoolteacher rushes back to help. She’s not expecting to bump into Jaxon Hooper—her quiet, brainy childhood classmate who’s now an Army Intelligence officer on leave. Jaxon leaves the job he loves to move closer to his gran who helped raise him. Her health is declining, and he doesn’t want her to be without family. He and Bea bond over their shared love for their grandmothers, but are shocked to discover the two women are sworn enemies. Why? Cautiously, they investigate the feud. While enjoying local festivities, including a holiday market, Bea tries to deny the growing attraction while Jaxon dares to dream they can build more. She’s been betrayed and is slow to trust. But as the holiday lights shine and old rivalries simmer, Bea and Jaxon discover that sometimes the best gifts are the ones you don’t see coming.