Ruby was a woman well-loved. But like so many women, she carried a longing she was taught never to name—never even to think of such things. But her husband loved her with a patience few men possessed, and when he discovered her deepest secrets, that patience became a mission. It took some time, but he began to wear her down. Then he ran out of time. And suddenly Ruby knew her secrets would remain just that. Secret. But that didn’t matter anyway, because love only comes around once in a lifetime, after all. Buck didn’t trust women. He wasn’t big on people in general. Not after he survived the sharp sting of betrayal so many years ago. But that didn't matter now—life was good. When he found his private plot of land, he was relieved that the family next door shared his desire for solitude. Then he saw her long auburn curls and heard that infectious laugh. But that didn’t matter either because she was another man’s wife. He’d never live in her world. This book is dedicated to the women who have lived this. And to the men who loved them through it.