Pittsburgh, 1865. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Rosaleen O’Shay and her mother lose their factory jobs, and then her father and brother are injured in a coal mining accident. With the family in dire straits, Rosaleen’s father arranges for her to marry Blaise Cameron, a soldier on his way home to his parents’ ranch in California. Rosaleen is furious, especially when Blaise informs her that he only needs a wife for a few months while he carries out a secret plan. She will not be allowed to ask him questions—or reveal that their marriage is in name only and will soon be annulled. As part of the arrangement, Rosaleen will receive a small farm near the Camerons’ ranch. She agrees to go through with the wedding only after Blaise promises to take the O’Shay clan west with them. Once the group reaches California, trouble lurks around every corner. Blaise’s parents are missing, a villain has taken over their ranch, and lives are threatened. Will Blaise’s plan save the day? And will he and Rosaleen fall in love and prove that unusual beginnings can lead to happily ever after?