After 13 years away, DeeDee returns to her hometown with her 11-year-old son, Trooper, having left with her boyfriend years ago. Her childhood friend, Sam, is now married to Lydia, and together they run the local veterinary clinic. Lydia feels a bit uneasy about DeeDee, especially after learning from Sam that they were close friends in their youth and that DeeDee was his first crush. However, DeeDee and Trooper quickly endear themselves to the townsfolk through their kindness and willingness to help. DeeDee starts a candle-making business in the town square and hosts weekly gatherings for the local women, which helps her and Lydia form a strong friendship. One evening, after dining with Sam and Lydia, DeeDee confides in Sam that she is gravely ill and doesn’t have much time left. She asks for his assistance in finding a loving family in the community to adopt Trooper. Sam shares this with Lydia, and they decide that they will adopt Trooper themselves if anything happens to DeeDee.