After reaching Oregon by wagon with Jenny Calhoun, Caleb (Mac) McDougall must choose--return to the East or remain on the frontier. Mac's passion for Jenny has grown, but abuse in her past numbs her to his feelings. Mac starts east, then learns of the California gold strike and joins hordes of prospectors seeking wealth, independence, and adventure. Alone in Oregon, Jenny forges a life but fears losing her home if neighbors learn she is not Mac's wife. Separately, Mac and Jenny confront violence, temptation, and heartache in a savage and abundant land. Their quests for happiness travel paths more tortuous than the Oregon Trail they conquered together.