To protect his father's ranch from a conniving cousin, Joseph McAllen has to be married before his birthday. Unfortunately, he's almost out of time. So, he does what any desperate man would. Sends off for a mail-order answer to his prayers.

Only, when she sees him, she gets right back on the stage. Joseph never imagined he'd be rejected. Filled with desperation, he reluctantly does what he should have from the start, and sends a plea for help to his aunt Rosemary.

Too old and unwanted to be a bride herself, Ines Martin thought she'd be celebrating her younger sister's marriage in a few days. But when her sister elopes, scandal comes knocking and it's up to Ines to try and fix things when offered her own chance at wedded bliss-to a stranger.

If she accepts, Ines sees a chance to protect her parents and make her own way. The only problem is, the man isn't interested in anything but a marriage of convenience, and Ines doesn't want to be where she's not wanted.

Not one for romantic delusions, Joseph doesn't know what's worse-sophisticated and demanding Aunt Rosemary on his dusty ranch or the fact Ines might be perfect for him if he lets himself fall in love.

In a clash of pride, does anyone come out the winner?