Jack McMahon, a commissioned officer in the United States Army and aide to a general, falls in love with Captain Jessica Caldwell, a beautiful young officer who stood at the top of her class at West Point. She hopes to become the Army's first female general officer. She and Jack share their hopes and dreams, but Jack's dream is to become a writer and professor. When Jessica is unable or unwilling to give up her career, their paths begin to diverge, even though they love each other and live together. When she is transferred to New Jersey, their romance becomes strained, but their love is deep enough that they carry on even as Jack leaves the Army and goes to graduate school. When she is transferred overseas, their long friendship is tested to the limit. When she gets orders to a combat zone, Jack prays for her safety and quick return. The two star-crossed lovers are tested to the breaking point, and Jack wonders if they can survive, resting his hopes on the fact that he has pledged his over to Jessica forever.