Susannah Warden is trapped in a life she doesn't want. She quit college, put her life on hold to care for her terminally ill mother, made a deathbed promise to look after her father, took over her mother's dress shop, and got herself engaged to an eligible bachelor. None of these actions reflect what she wants to do with her life. Guilt drives her as she tries to fit the mold her mother created for her.

When archeologist, Dr. Perry Elliston, arrives in Tassanoxie to survey a possible historical Indian site, he reminds Susannah of the future she wanted before her mother died. Perry recognizes Susannah as the mysterious student who haunted his archeology classes and his dreams several years ago. Now she's back in his life, but engaged to marry another man.

Will Susannah free herself from the bonds of her deathbed promise for the chance at love?