Stephen has been betrayed by  everyone he has ever loved.  His wife’s recent death and the shattering truth she revealed shortly before her demise have only added to his pain. Left alone to raise two children and unable to live with the memories surrounding his Missouri farm he decides to move to Texas and begin a new life.  Despite his unwillingness to ever risk his heart again, Stephen knows he cannot make a new life in the untamed wilds of Texas without a mother for his children. After much coercion by a well meaning neighbor Stephen weds Sarah Campbell.

Sarah is a young widow running from her past and the threats it represents. She will do anything to protect her unborn child, including marrying a stranger.  Although Stephen makes it clear his heart is off limits, Sarah finds herself  attracted to her new husband.  Her attempts to soothe his betrayed heart only seem to incite his wounded pride more and she wonders if they can ever forgive and forget the past so their marriage can  grow past the business-only affair by which it began.