Merrit and Sorrel Hines have been trying to find a husband for their mom because they want a dad. Their mom says to be patient, but at the rate she's going–always more concerned with what is happening at her diner than in looking for a husband–they'll be grown and out of the house until she gets around to finding someone.

So they take matters into their own hands. If their mom is so into food, they'll concoct a dish that will make the first man who tastes it ask her to marry him.

Except it doesn't work.

Elias Stone intended to make a career out of the Air Force. But a secret that he was sworn not to tell caused him to be dishonorably discharged. Reeling from the unexpected turn, and betrayed by the one person he'd always thought would stand by him, he follows his crew to Sweet Briar Ranch in Sweet Water, North Dakota, where two cute little girls mark him as the man who needs to marry their mom. Unfortunately, marrying is the farthest thing from his mind.

Jane Hines knows her daughters are up to no good. She was married once, and has no desire to walk the aisle again. But a handsome stranger, a rumor of a love potion, and a chicken recipe that could put her little restaurant on the map just might change her mind.

Can a bite of chicken, a little nudge by the town and a lot of trust create a family?