Aurora and her adopted sister Pia have grown up at Mission San Carolos de Borromeo. When Aurora is unexpectedly pressured into giving up her teaching position there to become governess at Rancho de Montaraz, the ranch her parents abruptly departed years before, she goes with trepidation.
At the ranch, Aurora is immediately embroiled in conflict with four aristocratic brothers. The eldest, Iván, a man accustomed to unquestioning obedience, is her employer, but often seems displeased with her presence. Raul harasses her with unwanted attentions, and Justo is openly hostile.
When men are injured fighting a wildfire, Aurora calls on Pia, a skilled nurse; but Pia's Native American remedies are challenged. As the sisters work with the de Montaraz brothers, feelings among some deepen.
Then the sisters learn long-buried family secrets the brothers have been keeping. How can Aurora and Pia move past the betrayal and forgive the men who hold their hearts?