Edie Dutton left Kansas with nothing but a few pieces of clothing, a handful of stolen bills, and a forged letter of reference. Since then, she's found a home as a Gilbert Girl at the Crest Stone Hotel. Even despite her transgression at the hotel last fall, she has a second chance to live the life she wants. But Edie Dutton is not her real name, and arriving along with all the newcomers to town comes word that her past may be on its way to put her future in jeopardy.

Fremont County Deputy James Wright has landed the perfect opportunity—keep peace in the growing town of Crest Stone. If he succeeds, he'll set himself up nicely to be elected town marshal. More than anything, he wants to do his uncle's memory justice. But unlike his uncle, he'll never let himself be distracted by a woman. That proves to be difficult when he meets Edie Dutton.

It isn't long before trouble moves closer to the valley. The rumor is that opposing gangs of outlaws from Kansas are behind it, stoking Edie's worst fear. She knows her new life is in danger. But when the outlaws escalate their crimes, James's life hangs in the balance. Edie must choose whether to forfeit everything she has, including James himself, in order to save his life. And when James discovers her true identity, he'll have to decide if love is worth giving up everything he's worked for.