James Walker is a self-sufficient bachelor who spends his days working at an outfitting store, evenings at his grandmother's side in the nursing home where she lives, and nights in a rustic, waterfront cabin. His volunteer firefighting career fills up his spare time. When Ellen moves to town to work at the nursing home, James finds himself interested in pursuing a relationship for the first time in forever. When things get too steamy, too quickly and Ellen ends up pregnant and furious. James suggests a marriage of convenience to preserve their reputations and offer the child the best possible home. As two near strangers, they find their differences hard to bear, especially after Ellen embraces a faith James doesn't believe in anymore.