Never trust a man were words Emily Hartley chose to live by. And except for occasional bouts with loneliness, she did just fine...until bachelor father Jed Sawyer made her an offer she couldn't refuse.

The rugged farmer wanted her to live in his house and care for his orphaned nieces and nephews. Vowing to remain emotionally distant, Emily accepted the job. She soon discovered that the best-laid plans seldom went without a hitch.... It wasn't long before the children crept into her heart--and mesmerizing Jed stole it completely. But how could she learn what was in his heart? Would the confirmed bachelor ever offer her the job love had given her the best qualifications for--that of his wife?