Family Ties — Vicki Stevenson

Fleeing from her abusive husband, Jill Dewey impulsively returns to her small hometown. A chance encounter with a former teacher leads her to the safety of a local dude ranch, where she accepts work as a chef. Through an intermediary, she notifies her parents that she is well and does not wish to be found.

Ranch owner Casey McQuaid is pleased with Jill's performance as a chef and enjoys her company as a friend. Jill is drawn to the warmth and support of Casey's LGBT family. As she becomes involved in the family's struggle against a powerful adversary of the gay community, she is increasingly obsessed by unexpected feelings for Casey.

While Jill grapples with her newly emerging emotions, her parents and husband discover her whereabouts and work relentlessly and viciously to compel her to return. And as the battle against the homophobic enemy proceeds, Casey and Jill must confront the nature of the relationship that has developed between them.