Bill Curtis ends a long naval career and begins a difficult search for his wayward father. He goes to work for Sarah Cameron the matriarch of a civil war vintage homestead. Sarah's operations on the large ranch are basically pack animal training and a backcountry-packing venture, while Sarah's sister and her husband operate the large cattle business independently. A monumental accident happens that affects all their lives and Bill is caught up in the nightmare. As time progresses Bill realizes that he enjoys the outdoor life, is enchanted by the backwoods environment, and finds that he has fallen in love with Sarah. Bill and Sarah's paradise is shattered by a group of escaped convicts. Together they face this challenge, both physically and emotionally, believing that they will always be there for each other both today and in the many years to come in their beloved Montana wilderness.