Spinster librarian Laura Melborne is in danger. She's the only witness to the murder of a senator-an act that someone has helped the assassin cover up-and the murderer knows her name and is hunting her. Desperate to flee the area, she agrees to become a mail-order bride. The last thing Nathan Cantrell wants is a new wife, especially one with secrets. What he needs is someone bound to stay on his Colorado farm to help care for his daughter, a child who has limited contact with the world around her. For his daughter's sake, he advertises for a mail-order bride. Nathan is surprised to be tempted by the woman who arrives as his wife and wants to send her back East. Laura's ability to care for his daughter prevents him from sending her packing. Soon their marriage is more than a one in name only, but the secret from her past threatens not only their tentative union, but their very lives.