Though the gossips had them pegged as an item, teacher Rachel Woodward was merely helping Sean Bates, the new guidance counselor, learn small-town ways.

But his looks and charm were almost irresistible. And it was a good thing Rachel no longer fell prey to romantic insanity.

Yet she couldn'' t ignore Sean, or how wonderfully he cared for the sweet, rambunctious five-year-old who'' d landed in their school– and both their hearts.

Little Samantha needed a father, and Sean would be the perfect man for the job. But she needed a mother, too… and suddenly Rachel wondered if God had a family in store for her after all.