Moonshadow — Susan Wiggs

PASSION'S SURRENDER

Brash, beautiful Jessica Darling preferred to forget what she'd done to survive her destitute childhood. Now, her shameful past safely behind her, she found contentment as the governess of two motherless children -- until their long-lost father returned unexpectedly to take them.

Fletcher Danforth, imprisoned for five years in the colonies, felt little love for anyone --except his son and daughter. He would take any risk to claim them from their guardians -- even blackmail Jessica into marrying him! But as the sweet passion of moonlit nights claims them, Fletcher discovers the healing power of Jessica's love, only to realize he may have lost all hope to win her heart.