I never expected to run into Maverick Houston-especially not in the aftermath of grief. My childhood bully. The boy who made school a nightmare. Now he's standing in front of me, looking just as lost as I feel-and unfairly, heartbreakingly handsome. I should walk away. But Ma's voice echoes in my head, reminding me to lead with grace, not grudges. That doesn't explain the electric current between us, the pull I can't seem to fight. One look at Rose Marie Benedict, and the weight of who I used to be nearly brings me to my knees. I hurt her-deeply. And yet, here I am, planting roots in the same small town I once tried to escape. I didn't come to Norina looking for redemption. But maybe it found me anyway. Now I have to prove I've changed. That the man I am today is someone she can trust... maybe even love. But forgiveness is a fragile thing. And even if she gives it, do I deserve her heart?