The trauma of their first meeting set the tone of their relationship and established their heated attraction even before new consulting surgeon David Armstrong reached Audley Memorial Hospital.

Nurse Julia Revell felt acutely alive and distinctly nervous with him on staff. Having turned her life around after a difficult marriage, she couldn't allow herself or her little daughter, Katie, to experience another emotional nightmare. David wanted them both so much and was happy to wait – but Julia's courage finally ran out. Then came Christmas Eve. Katie was abducted, and Julia realized how much she really needed this man at her side...