Faced with unresolved grief following the death of his father, Miller Sharp finds himself in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Convinced that he can never live up to his father's example, Miller is presented with an opportunity to prove himself when he attempts to save a young man, Jimmy Duane Goodfriend, from drowning. However, when the drowning victim nearly drags Miller down with him, Miller chooses his own life over Jimmy Duane's. Riddled with guilt, Miller is drawn to Jimmy Duane's young widow, Adra. He sets out to try to make amends to her and her child for what his cowardice has cost her. But as he becomes increasingly entangled in Adra's life, he risks everything--his career, his marriage, and the respect of the son he loves.