Missie three years later: being a single mother after her husband Willie was shot during a poker scuffle, move back east near her parents, Clark and Marty. She finds finds a new teaching position that she settles right into, but Missie has lost all faith in herself, until a chance encounter at her father's church where she adopts homeless orphan, Belinda Marshall. Missie didn't want to adopt a child into the family, as she is already taking care of Mattie, but decides to welcome her in with open arms. Missie also finds interest in Zack Tyler, the town's sheriff. There are some subplots and incidents that mirror Missie's tragic losses, and through the experiences will she ever find a way to bring hope and joy?