Arizona Territory, 1871
Hugh Blackburn, veteran of the Apache Wars, left the army to become a cattle rancher in the southwest. There’s just one problem: he doesn’t have the money to buy a ranch. Or cattle.

Sarah Palmer, daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia family, still mourns the fiancé killed at the Battle of Gettysburg. Finding solace in her faith, she’s convinced no other man will accept her flawed appearance, and has resigned herself to life as an old maid.

When Hugh approaches Sarah’s father as a potential investor, Matthew Palmer suggests a gentleman’s agreement to solve both problems. He’ll lend Hugh the money for his ranch if the former army officer will woo and wed his daughter. Without her becoming aware of the arrangement.

After a whirlwind courtship, the two marry. And as suddenly as he appeared, Hugh returns to Arizona with his father-in-law’s money, promising to send for Sarah as soon as he’s built a home on the ranch worthy of his new bride. As the months go by, Sarah returns to her socialite’s life of concerts, theater, and afternoon teas, at times doubting that the two weeks with the handsome soldier ever existed. Meanwhile, Hugh struggles to develop the new ranch, delaying their reunion as long as possible, ashamed of what he’d done to get it. Forced by changing circumstances, he can no longer postpone the inevitable and arranges for Sarah’s transportation.

Can a solitary soldier and an ugly duckling spinster find true love in the harsh yet beautiful Arizona Territory?

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