G.P. Ruby Hollister longed to return to Swallowbrook village for years--she just never anticipated being homeless when she finally did! She throws herself at the mercy of broodingly handsome new colleague Dr. Hugo Lawrence and his spare flat.... Free of all emotional responsibility for the first time in his life, Hugo's determined to relish his freedom--the last thing he wants is a fragile, beautiful waif living on his doorstep! But the secret sadness in Ruby's eyes calls to his inner protector, and a bachelor lifestyle no longer seems so appealing....