Second Chance Pass

Vanessa Rutledge has lived through a hard stretch in Virgin River. In a matter of months she buried her husband, Matt, and gave birth to their son, a loss and a new love arriving almost together. Now she is ready to look ahead, and the one person she wants beside her is keeping his distance.

That person is Paul Haggerty, a Marine who lives by the motto Semper Fi. He was Matt's best friend, and since Matt's death he has looked after Matt's widow as well as he can. He has also been in love with her for years, and he has told no one.

Just as Paul is ready to act on those feelings, another woman announces that he belongs to her. Her claim on him will not be easy to shake off, and it stands between him and Vanni.

This is a small-town contemporary romance built on a slow-burning friendship, with grief and loyalty in the background.

The people of Virgin River are close to both of them, and they do not stay out of it, nudging the pair along in ways that add warmth and some humor. The mood is hopeful and tender, with a happy outcome as the aim for two people who both want love.