Widowed and pregnant with her deceased husband's child, Lady Josaine Toustain faces an uncertain future. Her position as lady of Seahaven hangs in the balance as the birth of her child looms near. If she bears a daughter, her husband's title will pass on to his younger brother. If she bears a son, he will be raised to rule Seahaven and its lands in his sire's place. Amidst her pain and grief, Josaine finds comfort in friendship with her brother-in-law, Achart Toustain. However, when it becomes clear that their feelings for one another have changed from those of friendship to those of desire, she cannot help but feel she has betrayed her husband.

Achart never coveted his brother's position, yet finds himself thrust into the role of lord after his death. Nevertheless, he is determined that one thing his brother had shall never be his, no matter how badly he might want her. His impending arranged marriage - sealed in a peace agreement with an enemy lord - cannot happen fast enough to suit him. If he is wed to another, he will not be tempted to claim the woman he has no right to desire or love. Achart will soon learn that even the ghost of his brother and a marriage of convenience could never be enough to cleanse him of his need for Josaine.