Elise Hart will do anything to care for her younger brothers after their parents die. Her only regret is that she is woefully untrained for the task-Something made abundantly clear by the aunt trying to win custody. Elise needs a husband who can help her convince the judge. But the only one she can think of isn't really the 'settling down' type.

Garrett Macklin is going to spend the rest of his life as a bachelor. Nothing will distract him from his dreams for the ranch. But when his lifelong friend proposes out of desperation, how can he say no?

Determined to maintain a platonic marriage, Garrett and Elise protect her family while the lines of companionship and romance blur more each day.