Harper Cabot, the proprietor of Cabot's Haberdashery, was devastated by the death of his wife to the point he cannot pack away any of her belongings. Everyone expects his mourning to end soon, but he is devoted to his business and ignores how lonely his life has become in every other respect. A chance encounter brings Amy Mellish to Harper's notice when he discovers the woman huddled behind his store one bitterly cold night before Christmas. Stirred by compassion and unexpected attraction, he offers Amy shelter in his home…only to have the woman seduce him before the night is over. Amy has long admired the proper Harper Cabot from a distance, believing a fallen woman very far below his notice. Although saddened by his loss, Amy very much needs Harper's protection and boldly strikes a bargain to stay in exchange for satisfying his lust. In Harper's arms, Amy discovers passion beyond her experience even though the signs of the late Mrs. Cabot linger every corner of his home. Although begun as a diversion from shared sorrows, can their brief affair overcome the bitter memories of Christmases past and create the lasting connection they both secretly desire?