When Catriona Hennessy, honourable Scottish Lady of the Vale, receives the prediction 'he will father your children,' she is vexed. How can she unite with a rake like Richard Cynster - a masterful man with a scandalous reputation? More shocking still is her guardian's will that decrees that she and Richard be wed within a week! Though charmed by his commanding presence, she will not - cannot - give up her independence!