Cricket McBride packed up without warning, ditching their small town and the life they were going to build together, leaving Maverick with a kiss on his cheek and an empty heart that had done nothing but hardened over the years. Maverick's life wasn't what he thought it would be, but he'd long since accepted it for what it was. He was content working on his family ranch and being the best father he could. Or so he thought. When Cricket returns, one look was all it took for him to admit he still cared, but it wasn't until he saw the marks on her skin and the pain in her soul that he realized just how deep that love went. Because the same hands that held her tight also promised to protect her... and Maverick never broke a promise.