Love’s Second Chance (Hearts of Deepwater #1)

Claude Merritt came to Deepwater to disappear. He'd built an empire, trusted a brother, loved a woman—and lost all three in a single blow. Now he keeps to his fields, lives in silence with a closed heart, and tells himself that’s enough. But the quiet is unbearable.

Rebecca Hartwell has spent her whole life doing what was required of her. She ran a store, and kept a house, all with a smile on her face. She was a good wife to a man she couldn't love. When her husband dies and her sister steps into his place behind the counter, Rebecca realizes she is free—and has no idea what to do now.

Without knowing why, Rebecca answers an advertisement for a housekeeper three days a week. He tells himself it is a practical arrangement. She tells herself the same. But something is quietly, stubbornly taking root—and neither of them is as guarded as they think.