Contrary to her Amish community s beliefs, Ruby Weaver doesn't believe a woman needs to be married. Her ailing friend Lovinia, however, wants Ruby to promise to marry her husband after she dies. Ruby agrees and Lovinia extracts a similar promise from her husband, Gideon. With both Ruby and Gideon reluctant to keep their promises, a compromise must be reached. Ruby will spend her days with Gideon's family -- helping to raise the children and keep the house -- but her nights will be spent at her sister's neighboring house. But it soon becomes clear that Ruby must make a decision -- marry Gideon or turn her back on her friend.