Upon arriving in Greenhead, Massachusetts, Caroline Lash is smitten with Van Whittaker, a local kayaker with a penchant for fleece, litter collection, and a Border collie's charm. Van, a lifelong resident, maintains friendships with his childhood Bailey, his ex, who draws men like a flame; Augusta, wealthy, horse-loving, and haughty; and Fran, surrounded by brothers and sons, disillusioned with marriage.