Christmas Bounty

1855, Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara was as rough and tumble as any fledgling coastal town, complete with banditos, goldminers, highwayman, Spanish monks, and yes, pirates. Widow Caroline Moreau struggles to make her vineyard productive and sell enough wine so she and her two small children don't starve, all while fighting off those who would steal her land.
A pirate is about to be hanged. As Caroline ushers her children from the horrid scene, she recognizes the man. He once rescued her and her children from certain death. When it becomes obvious that his accusers are lying, Caroline cannot in good conscience allow an innocent man to die. So when the town constable laughingly asks if any woman would agree to marry the pirate to save him from the noose,...Caroline steps forward.