Erin Fraser has been in love with Paolo Herrera for years. It hasn't been easy: he's a Pueblo Indian; she's a California girl. They've struggled with vast cultural differences, but now Erin has returned from California, prepared to marry Paolo and make the pueblo her home.
Paolo has a different idea. He was ready before she left. Now? He's done a one-eighty during her absence. He wants to court her; woo her; win her. Aunt Julia agrees this is wise, since her marriage to Antonio has proven to be a challenging. Among the things Julia has given up living on the pueblo is her passion for growing roses; water for plants by pueblo houses must be carried by hand from the river, an arduous and exhausting proposition.
Erin wants to make her aunt's dream garden possible. She researches desert growing systems and discovers water harvesting. In her enthusiasm to make Julia's rose garden a reality, she sets herself on a crash course with her pueblo family. Paolo is opposed to Erin's project, but his brother, Alonzo, is ready and willing to help. Her aunt warns her about pitting one brother against the other. "You might lose a friend and a fiancé."
A young couple in conflict; a young woman in defiance; a young man in love with his brother's woman. What will it take for Erin and Paolo to realize what's really important—and bring them to their summer vows?