For him, playing the role of rescuer was his duty.

For her, she would just as soon see him run.

Cowboy Matt Keath enjoys the perfect life. He has freedom, few responsibilities, and a dream job that lies just within his grasp. But when a letter arrives informing him of his brother's death, he can't escape the truth that family takes care of family. He saddles up and heads to his brother's farm outside of Osceola, ready to rescue his sister-in-law from her troubles and then escape back west as quickly as possible.

Emily Keath can't believe that her late husband's farm-hating, kid-wary brother would have the audacity to consider himself her rescuer. He's not equipped to take care of her farm, let alone her and her children. Perhaps if she can help him see his inadequacies, he'll realize that she's better off without him.

Between family arguments and barnyard trouble, the summer threatens to become one of sheer survival. Matt and Emily will need a stronger bond than necessity if they wish to work alongside one another—but anything stronger feels a little too permanent for either of their comfort.