Hard-working Leah Rydell has no time for romance. So when Callahan Zander, the new preacher at the Maple Shade Community Church, comes to town, 25-year-old Leah is not interested in him or his church services. For some reason, he makes her uneasy. But Cal is interested in her because he has a secret. Raised dirt-poor in Texas, he survived by playing poker in saloons, and when he shot a man who was cheating, he ended up in prison. There he meets young Johnny Rydell, Leah's brother, and when they are released, Johnny disappears, owing Cal $700. Knowing Johnny will come looking for his sister, Cal decides to use her as bait to collect his money.