In the late 19th century, a small Texas town near the Mexican border is the backdrop for an unusual law that allows a condemned man to avoid the gallows by marrying a woman willing to take him. Enter Henry Moon, a desperado on the run from a posse for train robbery, who finds himself caught and facing the noose. His only escape route lies in the hands of a woman willing to save him for her own purposes. Julia Tate, a young and headstrong spinster, steps forward to claim Moon as her husband, not out of love or attraction, but with an ulterior motive rooted in her own survival and prosperity.

Brought back to Julia's farm, Moon is expected to fulfill his end of the bargain by working the land, which harbors a secret that Julia is keen to exploit. Despite their initial antagonism and the unconventional start to their relationship, Moon and Julia find themselves entangled in a complicated partnership. Moon's attempt to adapt to his new life and evade his past crimes, along with the interactions among the town’s quirky residents, lay the groundwork for unexpected alliances and conflicts. As Moon and Julia navigate the complexities of their arrangement, they are confronted with challenges that test their loyalty, resolve, and ultimately, their understanding of freedom and companionship.