Ruby takes his ashes to Cardinal, intending to leave them there with the family for burial and to sell her share of the ranch. There she meets Cole's younger brother, Lucas, who has left his life as a lawyer in San Francisco to make a small living for himself in Cardinal as a saddlemaker. She discovers that Cole had killed his father years ago, and that the family is burying the secrets of what really happened. She and Lucas force the family to reveal the true facts, thus helping the two to come to terms with their own problems.

This is a powerful story of two people trying to put the past to rest. Their relationship with each other is an emotional one, depending on their contacts with the rest of the family. The characters are real people, credible with the emotions and fears of real people. The plot is well constructed with a believable story.