As a family court judge, Natalie Britain hears evidence, searches for the truth, and makes life-altering decisions affecting hundreds of children and their families. But Natalie Britain has her own secret involving her own child that has haunted her every day for 12 years. The then-unmarried Natalie thought the child she gave birth to was put up for adoption. He wasn't. Little John (""L. J."" for short) was lovingly raised on a Texas farm by Natalie's estranged father, John. Now, with John in failing health, L. J. suddenly enters Natalie's well-ordered life. Forced to reassess all her accomplishments of the past 12 years, Natalie must now confront the secrets that have been hidden behind the glittering surface of her life.