Alyx Ivey Spencer is a high school English teacher and lives in the small town of Dexter, Montana. She loves her easy-going life, but one complication is her crush on Wil Granger. Formerly, a hotshot firefighter from Indiana, he's preoccupied with becoming a Smokejumper. He isn't interested in anything more than a few casual dates.

To impress Wil and gain his serious attention, she reaches out to Mr. Sherman, a retired teacher and former Smokejumper. She hopes to learn from him all she can about the smokejumping world.

It isn't until Alyx has a close call with a forest fire that Wil gives her his undivided attention. His firefighting skills and concern for her safety draw them closer together. When Mr. Sherman hears of the fire incident, he welcomes Alyx and Wil into his inner circle.

They enjoy the old jumper's company and are fascinated by his stories and details he shares about smokejumping. But when Mr. Sherman involves them in his eccentric plans for the future, they question his motives. If they agree to help him fulfill his dream, their lives will be changed forever.