Reine Jonson is in trouble. Not only is her car is falling apart, but her best friend, Deborah, is trying to set her up with the mysterious Stephen Morley, who owns Morley Cove Resort and needs help taking care of his nephews and niece after the unexpected death of his brother. Although Reine is attracted to Stephen, she finds his somber disposition gloomy. She resists Deborah’s attempts to convince her that Stephen is the perfect man but agrees to take the temporary child care position to earn extra money. When Reine begins to research Stephen’s ancestors role in the settlement of the Outer Banks area, she discovers secrets that draw her to this quiet, unsmiling man.

Still recovering from his family’s tragedy, Stephen is having difficulty balancing grief and his growing attraction to Reine.

Can Reine help the Morley family without becoming involved with the man who never smiles? Can Stephen handle his new responsibilities and still find time to pursue the one relationship that will make him truly happy?