The past threatens to destroy the good days ahead.

Liz has overcome the emptiness of her husband's death, the hardships of the trip west and even the robbery and murder of her beloved grandfather.  Standing at the altar, she feels hope for the first time in many years.

Settling into their new home in Fort Worth, Texas, the cousins begin to build a new life now that grandfather is gone, but their minds are never at rest. Abby initiates the work necessary to start a new school while Liz works in the mercantile. Emma stands firm as a herd of cattle and cowboys come dangerously close, sparking a new venture for Emma-she learns that providing the cowboys with food and shelter, for both them and their horses, can bring extra income into the household.  But Emma can't do it alone; she enlists the help of the lighthearted Megan.

When Liz becomes sick the whole town is abuzz  . . . as the women gather at the quilting frame relationships grow strong as women work together while facing the hardships and joys of a life on the prairies of Texas. 

As the four cousins forge a new family amid the unfamiliar ways of those living on the plains, feel the suffering of loss and the joy of true love found.