As children, Anne and Alexis are separated by war; later in life, they are reunited by destiny

Anne and Alexis grow up together in the Montmartre area of Paris. While she is utterly besotted with him, he sees her merely as a friend's little sister. After World War II begins, the two must part when their families flee France to avoid the German occupation. But when they say good-bye, Alexis vows always to protect Anne.

Anne holds on to this promise for years, wondering where Alexis might be. She finds work in an art gallery and marries a kind, devoted man, with whom she has two children. But her heart still belongs to Alexis, and she never stops looking for him. Their paths finally cross one fateful day in Brussels, many years later.

Now living in Canada, Alexis has a family of his own: a son and a deeply depressed wife. Despite the responsibilities and geography that keep them apart, Anne and Alexis find a way to love each other--secretly, yet passionately. But will they ever be together, truly and completely?