Grace Lowell's husband abandoned the family after gambling away their life savings. Now, she wants to find a safe haven and make a fresh start with her two kids. Not a simple thing when left penniless, alone and with a dangerous thug trying to shake her down to recoup her deadbeat husband's debts.

Noah Patterson, bitter from his fiance's betrayal, has sworn off women. Instead, he pours his heart and soul into his construction business. Unprecedented success leaves him strapped for administrative help.

When a mutual friend introduces Grace and Noah in the small, seaside town of Emerald Point, instant dislike flares between them, but neither have many options. She has the office skills he desperately needs, and he offers her a paycheck that will feed her kids. Can two damaged souls navigate through mutual distrust, an unsavory threat, a jealous ex-girlfriend, vandals, and the adolescent antics of Grace's kids to embrace a relationship?