When grumpy ex-cop Tim Bradford moves to a quiet little town to start over, he's only looking for peace and maybe a distraction. He definitely wasn't expecting Lucy Chen-the overly cheerful bartender with a sharp tongue, soft heart, and the power to wreck his carefully guarded walls. What begins with banter turns into undeniable chemistry. But love in a small town isn't always simple-especially with baggage, breakups, heartbreak, healing... and unexpected baby news. From flirty bar nights to surprise proposals, steamy moments, and building a life together (literally), this is a story about second chances, found family, and love that refuses to give up.

In which Tim is framed after Heath Everett's threat, and everyone around him might be in grave danger. Post 8x08 Chenford peril fic. - "You should've taken the bribe, Sergeant; started a new life," Everett says. Tim stares him down. "There's no way that ever would've happened," he says plainly. He won't ever throw away his integrity like that, no matter the cost. "I don't need that kind of money. I don't even want it," he had told Everett during the arrest, and he hasn't changed his mind on that. "Maintaining my integrity? That's priceless." "This mistake will come back to haunt you," he had responded. "You have my word on that." "In that case," Everett responds, smiling eerily, "You really should've just gone to jail."