Jake Weathers' older brother Aaron returns home a hero from WWII. As their father celebrates his favored son, quiet-voiced Jake is content to work in the background on their west Texas ranch. Hampered by a lame leg, Jake figures his life has nothing else to offer. His brother's charms and good looks fill the spotlight, but Jake grows suspicious Aaron wasn't as heroic as he claims. Their father turns a blind eye to Aaron's misbehavior, announcing his intention to hand the ranch over to him someday. After the arrival of the captivating and mysterious Ellie Peri inspires Jake to imagine a different future, he realizes he yearns for a partnership in the ranch. Even more, he wants Ellie to stay and share it with him. But high risk followed by devastating loss stand in the way to Jake's desires, and he is forced to choose a rocky path to save the ranch he loves and the woman who set his heart on fire.