Detective Thomas Cavelli specializes in missing children with the Aurora, Colorado Police Dept. His own personal life has been upset with the news that his father was switched at birth and IS actually part of the Cavanaugh family. Many of the influential and close knit Cavanaugh family are also part of the police department and work with Tom every day. Tom is in an adjustment period as the beautiful red head enters his life as a temporary partner. Detective Kaitlyn Two Feathers of Taos, NM Police Department has her own genetic history to keep hidden as she is focused on finding little Megan, a child abducted from her yard. This particular abduction is personal to Kait as Megan is related.

Keeping her personal relationship with the child a secret in fear of being shut off from the investigation, the fiery detective carries a chip on her shoulder in dealing with the handsome Tom Cavanaugh. Searching through the many clues to Megan's abduction, both detectives are sharing rooms in the same house. Taken by surprise, the staunch and stiff woman finds herself being kissed which awakens her libido. Not stopping there, the kiss is burning them both to a crisp, and leaving Kait in a fiery pit. The fact that Kait is rendered certifiable and Tom is driven to the brink of mindlessness reveals to both that this is something more than a casual encounter. Uppermost in their priorities is finding Megan safe and returning her to her mother and father. Striving to meet that objective by Christmas, as per her promise, tempers are flaring and hopelessness is setting in. Kait is both sad at the prospect of the case ending, which will take her from Tom, and elated that she will be able to bring Megan home safely. Both Tom and Kait are reluctant to go their separate ways and Tom must find a way to keep her there and his heart intact.

This very emotional short story created by Marie Ferrarella is the first I have read by this author but definitely not the last. She has a way of creating emotional ties between her characters that are real and heart wrenching. The attempt to save a child's life and still find love in the process is very gratifying in a story when both are realized. Both characters found love when least expecting it.