Annie O'Connell runs a business she loves, has a daughter she raised entirely on her own, and protects two younger brothers the way she has all their lives. She's the foundation of her family, but sometimes being solid as a rock means she has sharp edges. After a lifetime of fighting to succeed, there is only one person she trusts not to let her down: herself.

Marcus Callison has loved Annie for as long as he's worked for her. Convincing her to admit the feeling is mutual is a challenge he's been facing for just as long. He would stand by her through thick, thin, and everything in between. But he won't stand by while she pretends what they feel for each other isn't real.

When Annie's carefully constructed life is shattered, Marcus is determined to stand by her, help her through disaster, and prove that what they share is stronger than the tragedy that changes the lives of everyone in its path...if only she'd let him.