A war-weary soldier...Returning from war, Charles Dryden, anticipates his new life. He has a relationship to mend with Arianna, a daughter he's not quite sure is his, and her governess is determined he'll be a good father. Charles doesn't appreciate Miss Montgomery's bossy ways, and is annoyed she won't let him help her with her own worries. Can their fake engagement persuade the stubborn minx what's real in his heart? That he wants to love her for the rest of their lives?...meets a distrustful spinster...Her father gambles away her dowry, forcing Winsome Montgomery to escape her cousin's improper advances and become a governess. From her first meeting with Mr. Dryden, she's convinced he's a flirtatious drunkard with a gambling problem. She has no intention of marrying the rascal, but pretending to be engaged would protect her from Sir David. Winnie accepts, hoping to shield her feelings from her false fiancè.