Shayla Kirkland traded her perfectly planned West Coast life for late-night homework sessions, carpools, and a coffeehouse on Main Street in her Louisiana hometown. Raising her two young nieces wasn't part of the plan, and neither was butting heads with Xavier Wright, the cocky new ER doctor who accused her of faking her niece's illness just to meet him. The man is infuriating, presumptuous, and way too attractive for her peace of mind.

Xavier took a traveling physician contract to escape memories he'd rather forget, not to become the object of small-town fascination. But when the beautiful, fierce woman who thoroughly put him in his place storms back into his life asking for help with a community wellness program, he sees his chance to make amends and maybe discover what it feels like to want something again.

In a town where everyone knows your business and second chances come with an audience, these two must decide if the spark between them is worth the risk. Because in Gauthier, forever isn't just a promise. It's a way of life.