1840 Wyoming. At 15, Ernestine promises to marry Clem though they’ll be separated for a year. His business in Colorado demands him there but & her dying mother wants her to stay until the end. Ernestine (Nettie) & her brother Justin then join the Oregon Trail to Colorado.There Clem’s mother angrily refuses. She wants a richer wife for him than Nettie! Someone freezes Clem’s hefty savings account & Nettie receives threats. Hoping to start anew they join a trader caravan to Oregon. Will they again be forced apart? Will they finally celebrate Christmas as husband & wife?