When Susannah McKittrick leaves Nantucket for the boomtown of Seattle， she is hardly looking to strike it rich; she is headed west to care for a newborn left motherless after Susannah s cousin died. Although the rigorous trip depletes all of her savings， Susannah is certain she is doing the right thing. She is less sure when she meets the infant s father， wealthy businessman Aubrey Fairgrieve -- who seems embittered toward love and marriage， and indifferent toward the precious baby Susannah is so eager to care for. Gradually， Susannah discovers that Aubrey s marriage to her cousin was far from perfect -- and she comes to see the brusque but handsome man in a new light. But when Aubrey makes her a most practical offer， it is a far cry from the heartfelt proposal Susannah desires. If he truly wants to win her hand， he will have to learn to trust once more -- and sweep her away with the bold passion of a man in love.