Emma Hopkins hopes to put the past behind her when she moves from South Georgia to a quaint community on the Florida gulf coast. Tired of fearfully looking over her shoulder, she enjoys working in her aunt's gift shop, and is attracted to a handsome customer who stops by one day.

For three years Thomas Wilton has carried a burden of guilt for his sister's car accident. Although his sister has adjusted well, Thomas has made her the main focus of his life. When his boss insists he move to a community on the Florida gulf coast, Thomas can't deny his attraction to a lovely gift shop employee there.

The couple's relationship is jeopardized by a misunderstanding, but Thomas apologizes after realizing how unhappy he is without Emma. Both are cautiously guarding their hearts, but when Emma's life is threatened, Thomas realizes without a doubt how much he loves her. Could their seaside romance become a permanent happily-ever-after?