A Young Woman Dreaming of Freedom... Sophie Davenport feels like a prisoner in her own house. All her life, her overprotective parents have taken every possible measure to keep her from anything that might exacerbate her asthma - in other words, just about everything but reading and needlework. Yet Sophie longs for adventure - and for love. She determines to prove to her parents - and herself - that she can live a normal life, but she fears she may be relegated to the lonely life of a spinster.

A Young Man Dreaming of a Family... Josh Harper is far more bookish than his brawny brothers. he grew up helping at his family's stagecoach stop in Kansas but now works in the small town of Windmill, where he manages his uncle's bank and tries to keep up with his young niece and nephew, who live with him so they can attend school. Though the children are a handful and keep him busy, Josh yearns for a family of his own, but eligible females are not exactly plenteous on the prairie.

A Reality That Seems to Stand in the Way... When Sophie's aunt, a resident of Windmill, falls ill and requires help, Sophie volunteers. Despite his hesitation, her father finally relents and lets her go, as there is no other option. Her new role brings her into contact with the children boarding at her aunt's home - and with the handsome uncle of two of them. Is there a larger purpose in her coming to Windmill? Or will Josh Harper reject her, if not for her asthma attacks, then for the rocky nature of their relationship?