More than a year ago, Xander Lourdes was widowed. Now the world for him was limited to working for the benefit of the reserve, which his late wife treasured, and taking care of his daughter. And if everything goes well at the reserve, then he may lose his daughter. Lourdes' father-in-law and mother-in-law, wealthy and well-connected people, are seeking to gain custody of their granddaughter. Separation from his beloved little Rose is impossible for Xander. And he invites the zoologist of the reserve, Irishwoman Maureen Berg, to enter into a formal alliance. Thus, Xander, having a complete family, will be able to raise his daughter, and Maureen, whose visa will soon expire, will remain in the United States. Maureen agrees to the deal. But the more time she spends next to Xander, the more she wonders whether she will be able to survive the fictitious marriage with the man who irrevocably captured her heart...