Layla and Will are continuing their lives as young college students involved in a serious relationship as the story opens, but they are also dealing the the fallout of earlier actions and decisions. Will and his mother, Eliana, are living under assumed names and in hiding from Will's father, Gregory Meyer. But then Gregory is shot and there's little doubt that he's going to die. With his death, Will and Eliana are free to return to their home town, Davidson, and to pick up their lives. Layla agrees to return as well with her guardians, Uncle Luke and Aunt Claire. When Will discovers that his father has never changed his will, leaving Will as the beneficiary of Gregory's properties and his millions of dollars, his first reaction is to deny acceptance or to give it all away. Layla, however, convinces him that he can do a great many good things with the money and Will agrees.

While waiting for Holly's trial, Will and Layla go through some rough times. Will struggles to assure himself that he isn't going to become a cruel, manipulative man like his father was and his journey to that conclusion is difficult. Layla struggles to help him through the self-evaluation and when they emerge, they are stronger and ready to commit to a life as husband and wife. Layla plans her wedding, leaving a great many of the details to Claire. She is overwhelmed with emotion during the rehearsal when Luke announces that “her parents” give Layla in marriage, effectively including Layla's deceased biological parents in the event as well. Emotions run high as the day approaches with Luke and Claire hating the thought of letting Layla move out though they are happy that she has found such deep love.

Their wedding is held in Davidson and the honeymoon ends with Will and Layla ready to reconnect with family and begin their lives together. But their first night at home is interrupted by another tragedy. As Layla begins opening congratulations cards, she discovers a letter from the man who claims be willing to reveal the location of a dead juror. Layla wants desperately to meet the man and pay for the information and the deal is set for Thanksgiving morning. She discovers the killer is an FBI agent named Lassiter who was swayed to join Gregory Meyer's payroll. Lassiter claims the body was dumped in the lake and it takes months of searching before the body is located, giving closure to the family.

Meanwhile, Luke is defending Holly during the murder trial against her. Holly's mother was one of Gregory's ex-wives and Holly's brother, Marcus, was one of Gregory's abandoned children. When Luke comes up with four ex-wives, all with stories of manipulation and abuse at the hand of Gregory Meyer, the prosecution agrees to recommend that Holly is sentenced on manslaughter charges to five years in prison. But once they are in court, the judge overrides the recommendation, sentencing Holly to twelve years. An investigation proves the judge had been in a relationship with Gregory and the sentence is eventually overturned. Holly is released after the agreed five years and moves to Georgia under a new name.

As the story draws to a close, Layla and Luke are in the doctor's office five years after their marriage. Layla is certain she's pregnant and the ultrasound reveals that she and Will are expecting twins. Layla says there have been many changes over those five years. Both she and Luke have graduated college. Luke has launched a construction business and Layla works for an organization that helps children work through the grief of a parent. Luke's mother has remarried and Layla is ready to look forward more years of love and happiness.