Elizabeth McKinnie will no longer accept men ruling her life. After the Civil War devastated her family home, and having no way to survive, Elizabeth accepts one of the mail-order bride proposals presented to her and her sisters. She chooses a man who promises to treat her as an equal. Her sister convinces her to switch suitors, proclaiming the weather in Texas would be more suitable for Elizabeth's weak lungs. Agreeing, she heads west to meet the mysterious cattle baron she knows little about.

Jeb Clayton grew up as a poor son of a drunkard. He has worked his entire life to ensure he never starves again. He is a man who understands cows better than women, especially after watching the fairer sex manipulate his father into an early grave. Still, he begrudgingly agrees to marry a sturdy bride to produce sons who can help build his ranch into an empire. Yet, what he sees getting off the stagecoach is a whisper-of-a-woman with undesirable birthing hips.

When Elizabeth's and Jeb's futures are threatened will they join forces, or will their bitterness be their end?