A battle-scarred soldier returns home to honor a fallen friend – only to find himself the unexpected guardian of a little girl and needs the one woman he swore he’d never see again. Remington Cross came to Marietta, Montana out of duty, not choice. Scarred by war, this former soldier and rugged cowboy plans to check on his fallen commander’s godchild, then leave town for good. A smoldering one-night stand with the local bartender was supposed to be just that—a distraction. Until he discovers the little girl he came to protect needs more than he can walk away from. Shane Knight has sworn off wounded bad boys and broken promises. After her failed engagement, love isn’t on the table—but one red-hot night with Remy might be just what she needs. Except soon she’s tangled up with the sexy cowboy and a child who needs them both. When the past threatens their fragile new beginning, Remy and Shane must decide if they’re willing to risk their hearts for a second chance at love…and the family they never expected to find. First published as The Cowboy's Word