The little white lie. The wasted years together. And the mistaken toe tag that ends up saving a life. Carson Thomas joins the military because of Hawk. Not leaving home on good terms puts a sour taste in his mouth and a world of resentment in his girlfriend's Missy's heart. But she's got him by the balls in more ways than one...and she knows it. When he meets Kerry-Ann, the sweet fellow soldier doing half time as a bartender, he starts seeing the world through her eyes. But will he remain faithful despite his misgivings about the girl he left behind? Kerry-Ann shares the same state with Carson, and even though they live in different cities, they find a camaraderie between them amongst the oceans that separate them from home. The girl smells a rat from what Carson tells her about his sweet, innocent hometown girl, but she can't bear to see the big-hearted guy suffer, especially when the girls he loves is so far away. Years pass while Carson stays away from home, avoiding Hawk and the chill in the air from his family, and effectively avoiding Missy and the ever-present pressure, but it won't last for long. When the truth finally sets Carson free, he retaliates, sending himself onto the battlefield, where he can forget about the betrayal and heartbreak, but also where he nearly ends his life. In an unexpected twist of fate, a face from Carson's past shows up in his hospital room, but will Carson make the right move? Is it too late for Carson Thomas to change his path and do the right thing? HEA (Happily Ever After) Ranch romance Cowboy romance Second chance romance Military romance Medical romance Medium heat Course language Cliffhanger ending