His dream awaits. . .

Lafayette Riordan longs for an adventurous life fighting against the West’s worst outlaws. But his gentle upbringing has prepared him for a life as a scholar and artist, not a lawman. Unwilling to give up, Riordan secretly learns to handle firearms and eventually gains a coveted spot with Judge Isaac Parker’s famous marshals—even if it is doing the worst jobs in the Territory.

Rosa Ramirez left the sordid conditions of her home near Amarillo, Texas, for the promise of a new life on her grandfather’s ranch. But she quickly learns that safety is just as precarious on the ranch after a band of outlaws steals her grandfather’s horses and kills one of his men. Rosa rides to Judge Parker and demands protection, but she is livid when she learns that Riordan—the stable boy and dish washer—is the only man available. Far from being the marshal Rosa wanted, Riordan doesn’t even look like he can brandish a pistol.

It’s up to Riordan to convince Rosa otherwise. . .and take hold of his dream of honor and love.