Mallory, a wagon train attack survivor, opens her own cafe and also feeds the hungry, is being bullied into marriage. Brayden finds this to be unacceptable and rides to the rescue. Unfortunately, his involvement invites scandalous gossip. Mallory has no customers, and she needs the money she makes to feed the homeless. The only way to rectify her reputation is marriage. Brayden is a planner, and their first night, he draws up a plan for the way they will live. Mallory uses his plan to start the morning fire. Their many trials bring them together, and they form a strong friendship. Mallory, having been attacked, hates to be touched, and Brayden wants nothing more than to hold her and show her she is safe.