Almost two decades ago, James Paladin had agreed to be a sperm donor to his best friend's wife.

With three conditions: 1) Caryn Brenley was not to know who really fathered her child.

2) James would stay away, making no contact with his son.

3) When the boy turned eighteen, all secrets would be revealed.

That time had come. Now a new widow had learned the staggering truth. Now a tough private investigator could finally claim what was his. And now two lonely people had a sudden, startling attraction to battle.