After the death of her husband, Willie, Missie moves back to her parents' home with her young son, Matthew. She takes up a teaching position in a nearby town and quickly becomes involved in the local community. One day, she meets Grant, a charming and successful businessman who is in town to oversee the construction of a new railroad. Despite their different backgrounds and interests, the two are immediately attracted to each other and begin to spend more time together.
However, Missie's heart is still tender from the loss of her husband, and she struggles with whether or not to pursue a new relationship. Meanwhile, Grant is dealing with his own past, which includes a failed engagement and a disapproving father who wants him to settle down with a woman from their social class. As they navigate these obstacles, Missie and Grant must also deal with outside forces that threaten their happiness, including a scheming ex-girlfriend and a devastating fire that destroys much of the town.
Throughout it all, Missie remains true to her faith and her commitment to her son, who is struggling with his own grief. With the help of her supportive family and newfound friends, she learns that true love and happiness is worth fighting for, even in the face of adversity.