In 1876, rough and tumble Denver is full of challenges for outspoken female telegrapher Sarah Donovan. Determined to make her mark, she arrives in the male-dominated town and marches head-long into the fight for women's suffrage and any other cause she can find. She doesn't expect to face the fact that she hides behind causes to avoid her own vulnerability nor does she suspect she will find her strength by opening her heart and risking love. When Sarah delivers a telegram to the wrong person, she must apologize to staunchly conservative undertaker Daniel Petterman. Despite his relief that Sarah has also rescued his young daughters from local hoodlums, Daniel can't hide his distaste for the suffragist. His careful, pensive approach to life's problems is at complete odds with Sarah's radical assertiveness, and he fears she will corrupt his daughters with her progressive crusading. Unexpectedly discovering themselves on the same side of local politics, they develop a grudging respect for one another. Sarah's fiery disposition forces Daniel's hidden passions to the surface as the smoldering attraction between them erupts. Amid political turmoil, they find time to experience the delights and complications of ice skating on a frozen creek, dancing at a noisy German beer hall, and impromptu kisses. Their growing relationship of trust and love is blind-sided when Sarah's resentful coworker maliciously accuses her of using the telegraph to solicit men. Rumors explode, threatening Sarah's reputation, career, and her standing in the suffrage association. When the gossip spreads to include Daniel and his daughters, Sarah must confront the allegations head-on. A violent suffrage riot, prostitution charges, and runaway trains force Daniel and Sarah to make life and death decisions about the chances they are willing to take on love and on themselves.