He'd bossed and bullied her. He'd been the menace of her childhood. And now that Charity Bigham had come home to a legacy of wealth and treachery, Tell Layton was still there, watching out for her, insisting he wanted her. True to her name, Charity knew what she wanted to do with Bigham House. But others, determined to challenge the will, had plans of their own. Was it the threat of real danger, the familiarity of his presence, or a woman's passion that drew Charity into Tell's strong, protective arms? His long-ago gift had promised a lifetime of friendship, but did it promise a love meant to last forever?