William Pechkin is home for his friends wedding. He plans to see everyone. His parents, his sisters, his new nephew. He'll see all the old guard, but most importantly, he'll see her. The woman he can't get out of his head. Brooke. She's worked at the diner for years now and he never misses a chance to go in and see her. Speaking is another matter. Young, innocent, and too good for him, he can't possibly make a move on her. Until he sees the bruises. Now, all hell is about to break lose.
Brooke Ford hasn't exactly had the easiest life. Her childhood is the stuff of nightmares and she's vowed to never allow another child to feel that kind of pain. Working at the diner has been the best part of her life these last four years. That, and seeing Will when he was home on leave. Big, strong, handsome, and silent. He never even acknowledges her, at least not until the night of the wedding when Sara sees her bruises. No matter how hard she fights it, they won't let her leave without an explanation. In too much pain to argue, she agrees to stay. Can she dare to hope that Will might have feelings for her as well? Maybe, but their priority first is rescuing dozens of boys. And, and elephant.
