Alison Masters falls in love with wealthy David Kendall. Sight unseen, older brother Wade decides he must save David from a gold-digging fiancée. He tempts Alison to ride with him to Chicago and as they travel, Wade reveals his already-in-progress plan. An automobile crash leaves her badly injury, unbroken and disillusioned. Wade desperately wants to make amends, but she disappears before he can. After a seven year search, he finds Alison—scarred, crippled, infertile, and filled with disdain for anyone named Kendall. Determined to restore everything she'd lost, Wade blackmails her into marriage—his idea of the perfect method to accept accountability and prove his love—her idea of the perfect revenge. To Alison's surprise, their marriage brings more confusion than reprisal. They work through problems of vengeance, guilt, family, and love to find happiness on the shores of Lake Michigan.