When Lisa's mother remarries, it takes Lisa several years to accept her stepfather into the family, especially when she starts dating and he becomes harsh and controlling.
A writer goes to get a plant for a big sunny window at the beach house he has rented. At the greenhouse, he is smitten with the attractive young woman who runs things. She is drawn to him too, but doesn't want to get involved because of the pain she endured after the death of her husband.
Mia worries that she'll end up alone because there just weren't enough boys in the town. After all her girlfriends were married, she met Howie. After dating a few months, he asked her to marry him when he completed his military service and she agreed, but wasn't sure it was because she loved him or because she was afraid of being alone for the rest of her life. Then while Howie is serving out his term, Mia feels a thrill she's never experienced before when she meets Gary.