Spring Ames travels to Fort Frontier, Colorado, at the request of her colonel father who has been absent from her life for 14 years, while his sister, Emma, cared for her. After attending a funeral in place of Lieutenant Granville, Spring begins corresponding with him, and once she's at the fort, they become engaged. Then a sudden attack by the Arapahos cause an unwanted visit to the mountain home of arrogant David "Whip" Saunders. Spring, however, is not changed in mind about the lieutenant. Fighting every step of the way, Spring finds herself at Saunders's Haven, where her choices cause unneeded conflicts between her and David, despite her determination to escape. Love comes in many ways, and when it happens for Spring and David, both are completely shaken by it. Then an unexpected group of visitors show up at the time when Spring and David both realize that freedom is what is needed to keep them together.