Family First

Having finally completed her graduate studies, Melinda is following her dream of becoming a freelance writer and editor, which allows her to work at home, making her available to her two youngest sisters, Debbie and Karen, who are still in high school. Melinda and Daniel both came home after Mom and Dad died, so they could keep the family home together for Debbie and Karen, but things are certainly becoming complicated the longer they live together under the same roof.

Debbie, still reeling from the loss of their parents, doesn't know what she wants to do with herself after high school graduation. She has become an accomplished pianist, who is beginning to get some important performance opportunities around Seattle, but she doubts her talent at times, and is not at all certain of where, if at all, she fits in anymore, leaving both Melinda and Daniel very worried about her. Things start looking up for Debbie, however, when one of Daniel's former football players drops by the house to see him. Jon Sterling looks and acts like an average guy, but he has the athletic talent to make it in the NFL and a goodness about him that will allow both Melinda and Daniel to trust him with Debbie's heart.

Things are not so simple for Melinda and Daniel, however, as their feelings for one another grow. Finding herself in love with her adopted brother makes things a bit awkward around the house but even more so at church, when certain ladies become convinced that something is going on between them. Melinda finally turns to her priest, who encourages her to follow her heart where Daniel is concerned, and Melinda and Daniel both learn that love can indeed bloom into something wholly new over time.