About the Book

The novel follows the journey of Kenzie, a driven attorney, and Cole, a brilliant mathematician, whose unlikely meeting quickly blooms into love. Their relationship provides the foundation to explore opportunities for more balance between professional achievement and personal contentment. They boldly decide to purchase a historic lodge set within a secluded, picturesque canyon, and soon, their days are filled with renovation efforts and integration into the local community. These are joyous times, reaffirming their decision to forge their own path and promise of the future.

Tragically, the 2008 financial crisis decimates these aspirations. As their venture falters, escalating stress erupts in a heated confrontation, exposing Cole's buried trauma due to childhood abuse, and the explosiveness of their conflict prompts a reassessment of their relationship. With the support of their local friendships, periods of deep introspection, and inherent affection and respect for the other they overcome their concerns and commit to sustaining their bond, just as the lodge succumbs to bankruptcy. 

Cole continues working as a fishing guide during the week, spending every weekend hour with Kenzie in the city, who has resumed her legal career at Neuberger/Christensen. Her reintegration proves more difficult than envisioned, as she must confront entrenched gender bias and navigate ruthless office dynamics. Mentored by Ruth Cohen, the firm's sole female senior partner, along with Kenzie's intellect and savvy, she prevails in overcoming the obstacles that had derailed so many before her. However, her resilience is further tested when Brian, her former mentor, sexually assaults Kenzie, compelling her to face the firm's ingrained power structures.

Kenzie has two distasteful options in seeking redress with Brian, and her final choice perplexes and ultimately infuriates Cole. Cole struggles to reconcile past anger triggered by the assault, now redirected at Brian, and providing the calm and steady source of support he knows that Kenzie requires. 

Undeterred, Kenzie pushes forward and shrewdly dispatches Brian, ascends to the rank of partner, and overhauls firm processes for harassment claims so that no one will face the unbearable situation she had just gone through. Meanwhile, Cole reconciles with his dissertation advisor and completes his doctorate, going on to a prestigious post-doctoral appointment. Yet their ethical differences remain with neither willing to yield and they gradually drift apart. 

As Kenzie thrives in her all-consuming career, Cole finds comfort with a former love interest, marrying her and fathering twins. Still, Kenzie and Cole  maintain a friendship as their lives go on, for they share a unique understanding of the other they find nowhere else. Platonic as their relationship has become, Cole comes to understand that it troubles his wife, so he makes the painful decision to terminate his connection with Kenzie out of respect for his wife's feelings.