A romance for those who know that love stories begin before you get to the "happily ever after...." Kate Stewart is leaving Reno for the photojournalism job she's always wanted and a chance to start a new life. She cautiously settles into the Bay Area, thriving in her work and savoring her new-found independence, but she can't help looking over her shoulder, knowing her possessive and abusive boyfriend, Russell won't be happy when he finds out she's left him. While on a photo assignment, a guarded and suspicious Kate meets Patrick, a charming stranger who seems to be overly interested in her. She reconsiders her desired independence, and wonders if her heart could ever be ready for the possibilities of giving love another try.