When Susan Moore's father brings home a sad stranger named Paul Maniford, Susan finds herself intrigued by his story. As a widower, he is incapable of caring for his young daughter and farm alone. Normally reserved, Susan finds herself able to converse easily with Paul. She becomes unexpectedly concerned about his needs. Believing that love is a choice rather than simply an accident or emotion, Susan encourages him to remarry, even if it is a marriage based more on need than romantic love. Soon, Susan is confronted with a decision that could change her life forever. Paul, still practically a stranger and twelve years her senior, asks her to be his wife. Susan, as the always dutiful daughter and motherly big sister, is concerned about leaving her father and sister behind. How would they fare without her? And if she does marry Paul, would a marriage based on a common need instead of romantic love bring happiness? Could she love his daughter as her own and actually find love in a marriage to a near stranger?