Beautiful Elizabeth Cooper struggled to raise her siblings by herself after her mother's death. Abandoned by her reckless father years earlier she is distraught when he shows up unexpectedly. Shattering her world completely, he drags her from saloon to saloon until his luck runs out. James Reese watched in disgust as the gambler offered to use his daughter as collateral for a poker game. Beth's blue eyes met his and he made a silent vow to protect her. Left with few choices, Beth puts her faith in a man as desperate and alone as she. On the run they find comfort and solace in each other's arms.